Page 69 of One Forbidden Moment

He stepped closer, closing the small space between them."Not if you're with me."

Her breath caught."What do you mean?"

He took her hands again, lifting them to his chest, right over his heartbeat."You're the reason I got out.You're the reason I'm staying out.I didn't have anything before you.Not really.I was an outlaw, riding with enough anger in me to kill anyone who tried to stop me from living, but I was dead inside.I had a past I couldn't outrun.But you're the first thing that ever made me want to be better than what I was."

Her lips parted, trembling."You're good to me."

"I will protect you, because you matter to me.More than anything else ever has."

A tear slid down her cheek, and he brushed it away with his thumb.His heart pulsed.He couldn't face life without her.

"Moe..."she breathed.

He leaned his forehead against hers, closing his eyes."I don't know how to do this right.I don't know how to be soft.I don't know how to be good.But I know how to stay.And I'm staying with you."

Her lower lip quivered.He cupped her face with both hands.

"You're my life," he said, voice rough with emotion."I can't lose you."

She pressed her forehead to his, her breath trembling."You won't."

He inhaled deeply, committed to her in an unbreakable way.They were two people marked by darkness, choosing each other anyway.

Chapter 27

Moe

––––––––

Jillian lay besidehim, her head tucked under his chin, her fingers curled lightly against his chest.The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the lamp on her nightstand.They'd been talking about her mom, about Finn's warning, about the shadow growing stronger until they ended up talking in circles.

She lifted her face to his, her eyes soft and searching."Come here," she whispered.

He met her lips gently at first, then deeper, warmer.It was the kind of kiss that made his chest ache.She held his face in both hands, pulling him closer, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her like she was the only thing keeping them in this world.

She pulled back enough to breathe, her forehead resting against his."I love being close to you."