Page 50 of Tempting Fire

“Zarek?” It was Chloe’s soft and sweet voice.

“Light hurts,” he whispered.

“Keep your eyes closed for a minute longer. I’ll turn off all the lights.”

He felt her fingers brush his cheek, then she brushed a kiss against his lips. So soft, so good. She was gone too quick. He opened his eyes, and in the dim light he saw liquid brown eyes staring down at him.

“I love you Zarek.”

The words swept him, filling him with more joy than his body could possibly contain. It was as if he’d lived life in black and white, and now he could see in color. He laughed.

“I hope that’s a happy laugh,” she whispered close to his lips.

“The happiest laugh imaginable.” He winced. It was a happy laugh, but it hurt to laugh. She must have realized it, because she gently whispered a kiss against his forehead.

“Rest.”

“No,” he said tiredly. “I want to sav…savor,” His words were slurred. He yawned.

“You sleep. We’ll talk after you wake up again. The doctors said you wouldn’t wake up for another couple of hours anyway.”

“Wanna stay up,” he said belligerently. His eyes drifted shut.

***

His eyes snapped open. The room was dark. Where was Chloe? She’d said she had loved him. She hadn’t left, had she?

Then he felt her soft hand on top of his. He turned his hand so he could grip hers. He turned his head carefully because it still hurt like a son-of-a-bitch. He saw Chloe’s head resting on the bed. She was asleep.

She loved him. He stared at her beautiful face, relaxed in sleep. She was so beautiful. He wanted to remember this moment forever. This was the day that Chloe Rose made every one of his dreams come true, he’d take this feeling with him to the grave.

“Chloe?”

Her eyes drifted open.

“You’re awake,” she smiled.

“I’m going to stay awake, too.”

“I love you so much Zarek,” she said. Her eyes searched his.

Zarek reached up, and curled his hand around her neck, guiding her down to him. He molded their mouths together. Kiss number three. So much feeling went with the velvet softness of Chloe’s lips. This was a forever kiss. It went on and on and on.

She stroked the side of his cheek, and pulled away.

“Hey, I didn’t say you could stop.”

“You’re going to have visitors soon.” She looked away from him.

“They can wait. I need another kiss.”

She stood up and turned towards to door, he lunged and grabbed her hand.

“What?” She asked as she turned back towards him.

“Come back here. I wasn’t done with you.”

She gave him an over bright smile. He recognized it. It was the Avery fake girl smile. He tugged her closer, forcing her to sit beside him on the bed. Then he tangled their fingers together so that their palms were pressed together.