“Hey sleepy.” A voice crooned above me, stepping into my room

I looked up only to groan “Go away!” I mumble, my voice all choked and stuffed up making me grimace some more.

“What? Why?” Eli laughed at the absurd order.

“Because I’m sick and all ew.” I sulked sadly as I tried to hide under the cover of my bed.

“You aren’t ew.” He brushed off easily as he walked over the room and sat on the edge of my bed as I hid under the covers “Now come out from underneath there, I bought you something.”

“No!” I sulked burying myself in the boiling inferno beneath the blankets that had the room spinning, or rather the dark bed cave.

“Don’t you want to know what I got you?” he sang teasingly, taunting my curiosity.

“My homework?” I asked dryly.

Eli chuckled “I’m not cruel Ez.”

“Well my brother is.” I declared with a sulk “He bought me my homework as soon as I got home.” I told Eli bitterly.

“Well than mine is easily a million times better.” He said rubbing my back through the man covers on my bed and covering me.

“You promised?” I asked meekly.

Eli chuckled “Cross my heart, hope to die, I’ll even stick a needle in my eye.”

“Ew.” I scrunched up my nose as my head instantly popped out of the burning blankets making him chuckle “Now what did you get me?” I demanded eagerly. Eli chuckled only some more, the sound more than a gift enough.

Bringing his arm out from behind him he bought out a plate of “Cookies!”I cried ecstatically as I began to drool over the thought of chocolate.

“That’s not all.” he sang pulling out something else from behind his back.

I gasped as I discarded the cookie in my hand and greedily reached out for the book in his hand “I’ve been meaning to read this!” I said out loud to no one in particular.

“So you don’t own it?” Eli asked in relief “Thank god, I was worried you already own it. The lady at the store said it’s meant to be good, and when she asked who it was for she said it was your kind of thing.”

“Thank you!” I cried throwing my arms around him “Thank you so much, I love them! I love you!” I cried carelessly, too eager and happy to care.

“You better hope so!” he challenged with mocking anger and threat.

I giggled as I choked and clutched him only tighter “Forever and always,” I vowed “forever and always.”

      ೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋ

My knees quavered as they knocked together, my heart rose into my throat and I felt as if someone had literally left me boneless. I could feel myself sway on the spot yet all I could hear still was the painfully sharp ringing sound of the siren that had hit me like a train. It was a siren I thought frantically, a siren!

Its okay I thought to myself maybe it isn’t the police, maybe it’s just an ambulance or the fire brigade I tried to reassure myself earnestly as my heart seemed to only grow higher and higher up my throat, the next thing I know I’ll be throwing up my own heart. No! I shouted to myself as an image of Eli getting caught in a burning house or Eli getting rolled off on a gurney flashed before my eyes. They’re just as bad! This is bad! Very, very bad! My mind raced as it began to get harder to breathe.

“Ez, Ez!” a voice shouted over the wind, cracking through my thoughts just as the terrifying sound of something slamming shut loudly with a crash – the back door – made me yelp.

I looked up and around feeling dazed and disconnected ‘till my gaze fell on one of the waitresses. I think from memory her name was Annabelle. She was standing by the back door, the wind throwing her hair around wildly in her face as she looked over at me anxiously; her mask of anxiety didn’t even unsettle me. I had my own drama; it couldn’t get any worse now could it?

“Be careful driving home!” she shouted “I was just talking to some of the girls, the winds from this storms already hit and there are trees falling down and some power lines are down so some roads are closed!” she bellowed over the wind, her words by some miracle reaching my ears.

I grimaced as my hair fell all around my face; you just had to jinx it now didn’t you? I thought to myself bitterly.

“Thanks!” I shouted back over my shoulder as freezing cold ice gripped my form and bought me under.

Throwing my keys and clutch on the front seat of my car I left the door wide open not caring and letting the wind close the door for me as the wind grew wilder. Whirling around I sprinted down the car park and out onto the road as the adrenaline took possession of my body, I felt like I’d been pushed to the back seat of my mind as I raced down onto the road. If there were roads blocked and more dangerous driving it will be best just to run I rationalized.

The party was only about four blocks away – as long as I didn’t get lost in the storm – and once I rounded a bend I was more than happy that I had decided to run. The wind was picking up and my hair was disarray, it was in my eyes and my mouth. The trees all around me were shaking under the harsh winds and I could hear them creak in protest and branches where already scattering the road and footpath.

The thought of me driving in this weather was utterly terrifying, not only because this storm had this strong sense of danger but in the state of mind I was right now in I wouldn’t be making the safest decisions also. It was a dangerous combination destined for disaster.

Running was great in the sense that it was my own control but also because focusing on where I was running or branches I was dodging kept me distracted from the thoughts that’d bombard me if I was behind the wheel. It didn’t mean the thoughts didn’t bombard me, because they did. My mind couldn’t stop spinning as it raced thinking of all the possible outcomes. The odds were not looking good at all; first the text off Jed and his threats, Mel calling me and not to mention the earth shattering sound of the siren in the background.

Both my heart and my lungs were in my throat as I desperately tried to breathe. I felt like any moment I was going to throw up my lung or even my heart, maybe both. My chest was searing and I didn’t know if that was just me being unfit or if it was the dread that had taken possession of my form and slowly freezing me into cold ugly stone. It was the adrenaline in the moment that pushed me to go on, without the rush of adrenaline I’d be back on the ground struggling to stand like Bambi.

I felt like at any moment I was going to throw up, I’d never been so acquainted with trepidation in my entire existence until now. Sure I had experienced some terrifying things, especially when it came to these past couple months with Jed and Falan. However that was with me, if something bad happened in the aftermath I could deal and control it. But when something bad has happened to someone else that owns your body and soul it is the most terrorizing thought beyond your imagination.

Yet I stupidly made the situation tremendously more heart breaking, this, all of this drama, fear, dread, horror, pain and foreboding was all bought on because of me. It was something I could have stopped or changed or at least tried and I hadn’t. I could have told the boys earlier instead of trying to be a hero, I could have told Eli about the truth or I could have gone to the police earlier. I could have done something. I know I’ve been in the headset that the past is the past but I cannot but let it haunt me in this moment that after whatever has happened tonight that I won’t be able to look at myself in the mirror. I cannot live with the fact that I hurt someone dear to me, that I put the person that owns my heart in jeopardy. How could anyone look at me after this let alone stand me? I thought worriedly, on the verge of hyperventilating.

Mel was right; of course she was right, Jed wouldn’t just give up that easily! It was far from over, that was crystal clear now and I think deep down I always knew that it wasn’t over. I just wanted to live in peace for a moment or two, to be blissfully naive once more.

This is my entire fault.

A haunted and tortured sob caught in my throat as I pulled and bunched my dress up around my waist. I was flashing more leg than what I’d ever show before in my life but in the moment I didn’t care. I kept myself moving faster and further, my dress up around my waist made it easier to run, I was so glad that I was wearing wedges. I know they weren’t the best thing to be wearing but stilettos could have been worse, a lot worse!

A crystal clear drop slid down my face soon followed by a second and than a third, they soon kept coming as the sky above us opened up. The heavens made it perfectly clear of how they felt about me and my mistakes as the rain began to fall down upon my naked bare skin. Any other day it would have made my skin crawl but today it just bounced off of me, in this moment I wasn’t human, I was detached. A distant part of me was shocked that it wasn’t tears in fact that were gliding down my face; god knows how many tears I’ve shed these past weeks.

My mind spiraled on repeat of constant possibilities and scenarios, each and everyone ending with Eli getting zipped up in a gurney as solemn Ambulance medics rolled him into the back of the vehicle. Each image was like a blade slicing through my body and striking a lung or piercing my heart taking a piece of me every time. I’d never felt more vulnerable or defenseless in my life and I finally understood what people mean when they say you’re never so vulnerable until you love, because you are opening yourself up for so many different strikes as every inch of you is exposed for the fall.

Rounding the final corner and turning onto the block I felt breathless and I could feel myself sway at the sight before me. My stomach lurched and my heart rose higher up in my throat. Before me there was chaos, I could see the flash and splash of red and blues dancing off the houses, cars, fences and everything and anything at the opposite end of the street. A police car was parked carelessly in the middle of the street and there were people screaming and shouting as they raced away from the scene trying to avoid the storm or the police, maybe even both?

Pushing myself to the other end of the street was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my entire life. I’d never felt more terrified at the anticipation of what I’d see once I reached there. I didn’t want to reach that destination, I wanted to slam on the breaks and curl up in the sanctuary and warmth of my own bed. Yet my feet wouldn’t stop carrying me, they seemed to only push me further, faster.

The wind was wailing and screaming in my ears as I dodged some fallen branches and debris, the wind was whipping my hair around my face harshly. The wind was becoming so strong but the more so delusional part of me was beginning to think that the wind was fighting against me, warning me that I didn’t want to see what was up here. The rain began to fall harder upon me, before it was only a sprinkling drizzle but now it was really falling down upon me that my skin was instantly frozen like ice. My dress had taken the form of my body and I felt like any moment the wind would sweep me off my feet and fly me away.

I fought against it, just like I fought against the crowd fighting against me. I was striding towards them going the opposite way to them and they practically trampled over me. I had no time for manners or patience though; I was too entranced on what was on the other side of them. With a thundering heart as it thundered in my ears I shoved people aside, pushing them out of my way as if they were bugs. My breath was becoming more labored and breathless with anxiety and fear as it began to squeeze the life out of me, strangling every last breath and humanity from me until I was a frozen corpse.

Pushing the last person aside I stumbled through the thinning crowd, all the bodies getting out of the weather and to avoid being arrested for underage drinking or any other crime from the police or even their parents. News after all spread in a town like this. With the few final shoves I stepped through and suddenly it was like I was in barren empty desert compared to the stampede I’d just fought against. Gasping I stepped through as my eyes scanned the horrendous scene before me.

There before me was a police car, a police car in which one body was already sitting in the backseat of with their head hung. The second body was climbing into the back of the blue and white car with their hands cuffed behind their backs. A police man stood at the front of the car talking on their radio they used whilst the second man was helping the cuffed guy into the back. My eyes squinted as I tried to take in who they were as the cuffed boy hit the top of the doorframe with a loud thunk. It was as they looked up cringing that their eyes locked onto my own, a sharp gasp passed through my lips as the dark hooded gaze of my ex boyfriend’s met my own.

Jed’s gaze met my own and I felt like I’d been slapped senseless as I lost my breath. His eyes were dark and molten, his eyes were not of anger or fury as I for some reason suspected. No, his eyes were drooping as if it was with exhaustion, defeat if anything. I’d never looked at someone who looked so drained and aged, and yet he was only an eighteen year old. What really bought a pang to my heart for only a second was the fear swirling deep in those depths, I knew that he’d be acting like he didn’t care but meeting his gaze I could see the terror. For only a moment I felt for the boy in the backseat, because the boy in the backseat was the boy I thought I once loved.

The gut wrenching fear in his eyes haunted me as the police man slammed the back door shut as he joined his best friend in the backseat, Falan. I watched gaping as the car took off down the street and out of sight into the blazing storm.

There were the few odd stragglers standing a little further ahead of me, having the nerve to watch on nosily. Sliding in between two of those oblivious people anxiously my gaze danced around wildly before my gaze fell upon them. A heady sigh of relief mixed with a whimper of terror passed through my lips as I found their gaze already upon me, those piercing blue eyes making my heart thunder. Their chest was rising and falling sharply as if they’d just ran a marathon, they reminded me of a warrior having just fought and standing bravely as the storms brewed clichéd like in the background. Fit to the clichés I swooned and my heart skipped a beat at the sight of him before me, Eli, the boy that had capture of my heart since the very first day.  

I didn’t even skip a beat before I was racing towards him, my dress forgotten as I trampled all over it and I threw myself at him. My arms wrapped around his neck basically in a chokehold as I squeezed the life out of him, desperate to feel that he was okay. The thought of him alone hurt had me choking on a sob into the side of his neck as greedily I inhaled his spicy and alluring scent.

Was he okay? Was all I could think panicked. Pulling back my eyes scanned him from the highest strand of hair on the top of his hair right down to the shoes on his feet I remember helping him pick out. Sight didn’t seem to be assurance enough as I reached out for every inch of skin, starting with his shoulder I patted and smoothed him out through touch leaving a kiss in its place. My lips left a lingering kiss all upon him; his shoulders, chest, his arms, hands, wrists, neck, collarbone and anywhere else I could reach. As the sky rained down upon us I also rained kisses down upon Eli.

Pulling up his hands I noticed the scuffed and bloodied cuts on his knuckles and I let my lips dance along his wet glistening skin from the grain. My lips lingered and slid along his torn skin and I felt him shudder violently beneath my touch.

“Oh god, were you hurt?” I breathed shakily as my hands grabbed his face softly and yet fiercely; I was never letting him go.

My question didn’t stop me from my showering and searching as my hands and lips pressed and covered the panes of his face now frantically. First to his cheeks and jaw, they then danced on forehead and brushed across his nose capturing rain drops also upon my passionate lips. Breathing heavily I lowered my feet so I wasn’t standing on my toes no more, our eyes met and a ragged breath fled my burning lips. His burning gaze held my own in captivity and I felt the electricity shudder right through my body right to my very toes.

A rain drop caught in my eyelash and my gaze fell to only catch sight of his lips. Oh those lips I thought dazedly and without another thought I leant up and captured those lips with my now blazing lips. My lips caressed his own wet lips tasting of the rain and his manly heaven before I pressed my lips deeper upon his, my hands tightening their hold on his cheeks as I pulled him deeper.

Startled and anxious by the reaction of my own brazenness my grip loosened as I pulled back only for Eli to crash his lips into my own. A gasp of shock passed through my lips before my eyes fluttered shut and I succumbed into his touch, my entire body melted into his own until I wasn’t sure where he began and I finished. I could feel every ridge and curve upon him, the warmth of his body under his now drenched and cold clothes and even the tumble of his heart.

A toe curling moan slipped through Eli’s sinful lips and suddenly his hands were grasping my hips as he hoisted me tighter and closer up into me as our lips only further melded together. I threw my arms around his neck as I lifted myself closer into him as my heart began surging with electricity ‘till the point I thought I’d combust. His lips upon mine were gentle and soft and yet they were still strong and passionate, the emotion he put into the kiss had my heart swelling.

My lips were burning just as much as my body was, it was like a blazing fire despite the fact that it was raining down upon my bare and naked skin wildly. My fingers ran and curled deeply in his drenched hair just as our clothes clung to each other like our own skin. I felt so close to him that I swear I could feel his heart thundering against my breast. My body shuddered and gasped on the verge of combusting as the kiss only deepened to the point my toes curled and my breath caught in my throat, ragged and gasping for breath desperately but not as desperately for Eli.

Eli tore his lips from my own and I gasped loudly panting heavily with numb swollen lips. Li’s fingers curled under my lips and my eyes fluttered shut awaiting another passionate toe curling kiss like before. However I was instead rained with lingering kisses as they brushed each individual rain drop off my face. My eyes flew open as he kept my face tilted back as I let go a musical giggle of delight, so airy and buoyant.

Eli’s plan seemed futile though since every drop he swept away a dozen more fell upon me. Not that I was ever going to point it out or complain, if this is what I’d receive if it rained down upon me I wish that the rain would follow me wherever I would go. I really could not complain, it was heaven to me.

It was the shiver that coiled through me that halted our intense make out session. Eli’s lips tore from my own thinking that the rain was the culprit when really it was scorching lips that left me spineless. His lips pressed back to my own once again but sadly this time it was shortly before he pulled back once more, his arms coiled around my body like a blanket as wordlessly he tugged me back up the street.

I’d never felt so shy and small in that moment, my body was still shuddering from that kiss. My mind was racing from that one kiss alone with multiple questions; what had happened? Why were the boys leaving in a police car? If he kissed me back did that mean there was still hope for us? And even if there is still hope for us would there be any at all after I tell him the truth?

My gaze was down on my toes, my fingers fidgeting and toying with the damp material of my dress that now left nothing to the imagination when it came to my body. I was nervous, my head spinning, my lips tingling, my heart thrashing and my body fidgeting. Eli’s hand suddenly curled around one of my own startling me, his large hands that were amazingly still warm encased it as he drew it up. He held our join hands to my far cheek cupping it as he leant in and pressed his lips to my cheek, holding them there. The gesture had my heart tumbling and my cheeks burning.

“What happened?” I breathed softly, his lips against my cheek enough to warm me right to the core.

Li pulled his lips away drawing our entwined hands up to his face to run his lips across my knuckles as he shrugged blasé “Just Jed trying to scare me.”

“But what actually happened? Did he hurt you?” I asked him earnestly whirling around on him and stopping him in the middle of the street.

“We had some words; he wanted to take it outside. He took a swing, we tumbled the cops came.” He rattled off casually before turning to face me as his fingers curled under my chin “Then in you came, my beautiful girl.” He murmured lowly his head bowing as he brushed his lips against my own.

My hands eagerly cupped his face as I smashed my lips to his greedily, deepening the kiss as I pressed myself up against him. A rusty chuckle was caught in the back of his throat as he smiled into the kiss as he tugged me in closer, my chest clashing with his as he wrapped his arms around me, trying to keep me warm. Our lips slanted as the kiss began to deepen to such fiery heights.

“Wait,” I cried my lips tearing from his as I finally seemed understand what he had just said “he took a swing at you?” I cried in alarm “Where did he hurt you?” I demanded scouting all over his body as if there was a big giant ‘X’ somewhere.

I gasped after scrutinizing him closely I found it, on the side of his face was a swollen spot, it was red and fiery. And I may be a little bias and possessed with paranoia but I swear on my life it was already starting to swell with bruising. I reached up tentatively to brush the back of my fingers along his jawbone wishing that somehow I could magically make it all go away.

I scrutinized him waiting for his reaction to my touch; instead he reached up pressing my hand to his own. I smiled sadly “We need to put some ice on it as soo-“

I gasped yanking his hand away from his face as I pulled it right up to my face. I knew before that his knuckles were grazed and cut up, but seeing it in contrast to my own had me utterly terrified. They were cut and red raw, the sight of it had my heart shriveling in agony at the sight. I wanted to whimper like a puppy as I brushed my lips across his knuckles aching that the whole kissing it would make it better was actually true.

I shook my head as my heart continued to be strangled and all I could think as I looked at his battered and raw knuckles and even his swollen cheek was this is my entire fault. I clenched my eyes shut tight as I fought down the heart breaking remorse and the tears, I felt like I was going to hurl at any moment.

“Okay, we need some ice and to clean all this up right now.” I said snapping into gear as I grabbed his hand and began to practically march back up the street frantically.

A soft chuckle slipped through Eli’s lips as he followed behind me, his hand that I held onto he tugged anchoring me to a halt. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m totally fine.” He murmured, his tone soft and gentle as he pulled us face to face, nose to nose, his eyes blazed right through to my soul “Better than fine actually.” He murmured lowly, his voice holding a husk before crushing his lips to my own.

I gasped against his lips, my eyes fluttering closed as I fell into the addiction that was him, the taste of him and the feel of him upon my lips was enough for anyone to forget everything and anything. He was simply a chaotic addiction that left you breathless and dizzy; the world never seemed to stop spinning. My fingers curled into his wet shirt as I let myself sink into his body entirely, his touch and scent leaving me intoxicated and electrified.

Eli’s lips brushed against my own one last time, my breath catching before he pulled back. My lashes fluttered like butterflies wings as they pulled back to see his tender smile “I forgot how damn adorable you are when you get worked up.” he murmured sweetly, his fingers curling under my chin.

I blushed scarlet as my gaze lowered shyly; I had never been treated as princess so much in my life before. With Jed the closest compliment I was given was being called ‘hot’ or ‘smoking’ and yet they didn’t even seem like compliments. I felt like I was being complimented on being a commodity. Yet Eli and his sweet words was an entirely new level I was unprepared for, especially with how rocky we were as it was. I’d after all broken this boy’s heart.

I thought about as we walked, my mind raced and spiraled trying to find the answers in the limited conversation we’ve had tonight. We had been kissing madly in the rain; did that mean he still loved me, that he still wanted me? Better yet, had he forgiven me? Would he be willing to give me one more chance or could he not trust me anymore? If only a kiss could tell me that much I thought wistfully. But oh, that kiss had told me more than enough. Despite all treachery on my own behalf he still treated and held me like a fragile gem, he still treasured me and he still showered me with warmth and passion. That had to count for something, didn’t it?

Lost in my own thoughts as we walked back to my car I barely even noticed the fallen tree before me until Eli snagged me around the waist and spun me up and over it like some romantic 50’s flick. I squealed in a mixture of shock and delight, giggling as he sat me down on the other side, my cheeks warming and his smile blazing with sweetness. Was it out of courtesy or love? I couldn’t help but wonder.

Eli chuckled tapping my nose “Cute.” he murmured before he threaded his fingers through mine and we went back to quietly walking up the street.

The silence as we walked was relaxed and tension free, I hoped. The more I thought about the silence the more it had my mind racing. What happens if it was awkward for him and not me? Should I say something? I questioned myself anxiously my heart quenching in fright.

The weather around us had quieted quite a lot; the storm seemed to have died for now. The wind was still restless and around and I couldn’t deny it was cool against my own bare and exposed skin as I held myself close and greedily curled into Eli’s side. He probably noticed too if how he was holding me so close and rubbing up and down my arm was any constellation. The rain had receded for this moment a bit, it was just spitting down softly. I couldn’t help but love it, I loved the rain and the feel of it against my bare skin as I kissed Eli was so invigorating.

I couldn’t help but smile giddily as I realized something; I looked away hoping Eli wouldn’t notice and ask questions. I had realized how much of a romantic dream come true this moment really had been tonight. My hero comes to the rescue saving me from the evil man that’s been trying to take claim of me for us to only succumb into each other as we kissed under the rain molding together as one. The thought had me giggling silently, it was a fairytale, a fairytale I’d always dreamed of happening and still now I realized.

As much as I convinced myself I wasn’t a dreamer anymore I knew that was wrong, even after I tried to be someone else, tried to be Mel, I still dreamed and waited for Eli to kick down my bedroom door like my knight in shining armor. I dreamed to be saved.

That’s the thing about knights in shining armor though, they’re real and they’re beyond utterly amazing. They’re everything they’re said to be and more, but here’s the catch, they can’t read your minds. They’re humans too with dreams and they’ve got a heart that’s vulnerable also, they can’t read your mind and they are just as confused by love and mixed signals as the princess is. If the princess wants to be saved she has to ask, how else is he going to know? The knight makes just as many mistakes as the princess and they’re just as human; they deserve a fairytale just as much as the princess.

Mainly though, the princess has to realize that there is more to those fairytale stories than just her. And sometimes, the princess has to learn to save herself and even to find herself first because it isn’t until she proves to be worth fighting for with her strength that she’s ever going to be found by the knight, her equal, her one true love.

I’d faced my demons head on in the end, after some serious struggle and it’s not until you do that, it’s not until you are open and honest with those around you and even yourself do you deserve love. As clichéd as the saying is, how can you love if you yet cannot love yourself? You’ve got to learn to love yourself despite your mistakes and flaws and I’ve done that. Being a dreamer is my biggest weakness, but it is also my biggest strength.

My smile only grew, a part of me wanted to make this even more clichéd and dance and skip up the deserted street at night, the only light coming from the few stars and the few lights from the street lamps that weren’t down. I felt so euphoric and giddy, I wanted to throw my hands up in the air and squeal in delight. So this is love I thought dreamily.

My eyes set onto the low brick fence that led into the car park where my car was. My smile grew and before Eli could blink I had skipped off and hoisted myself onto the low fence most likely very feebly. Heels and a klutz did not make this a reassuring situation but I simply just didn’t care. I turned around and glanced over my shoulder at Eli who was watching me with an amused expression, his eyes sparkling in the night. He walked along side me as I walked along the thin fence in heels and the breeze in my drenched hair and dress being whipped around like some awfully done shampoo commercial.

On the third time I faintly stumbled I was caught up into Eli’s arm as he rolled his eyes in amusement. I squealed in alarm as I clawed onto his shoulders as my legs instantly went to cling onto him also. Eli laughed under my reaction and I sent him a mocking glare, sticking my tongue out of him as he carried me into the parking lot.

“You know,” I began slowly “I can walk, right?” I asked trying with all my might to stop my lips from curving up into a smile.

Eli shrugged as he held me close to him “I don’t think I can let you go again.” He said not even one ounce of humor in his voice just a burning intensity, an ache that reminded me of my talk only earlier tonight with Gemma’s Grandmother.“I tell you one thing dear; you don’t see or feel such intensity much in life at all in general let alone in one’s own. But once you do, you don’t let go because you’ll never feel so real in your entire life.”

I smiled softly at him, the smile not completely full as the guilt swept over me. But also because I knew that aching, I’d ached for Eli for so long and after having him and losing him just as quick that hole in my heart only grew stronger. It was a fatal wound I thought I’d never come back from, until now.

“So,” I whispered reaching out as my fingers glided up and down along his jaw line, I needed to touch him in some way to remove the darkness not only within myself but also within Eli. I needed him to see the light, the beauty. But most importantly I wanted him to see I wasn’t that person he thought I was, I wanted him to see the real me, the girl that was scared and trying to protect the ones she loved.

“So what?” he asked smiling under my ticklish touch, his eyes looking like molten lava despite their ocean blue hue. His lips were curled up into a boyish smile that had my heart fluttering, oh this boy.

“So…I don’t know.” I giggled shrugging offhandedly as my fingers continued to seek and trace out all those glorious panes that created this glorious creature before me.

My fingers hesitated as they reached the corner of his lips, I watched entranced as my fingers traced and hesitated at the corner. With a brave leap my fingers hesitantly ran along the bottom of his lips, tracing the slope with a focused intensity. My fingers ran back up the slope to the second corner as I tried to keep my hands from shaking with nerves. My fingers grew up to trace his upper lip and I felt myself become even more hypnotized by the beauty of his lips alone, it wasn’t only the sight but also knowing – remembering – what those lips could do to you…

I hadn’t even realized Eli’s lips growing closer until his teeth caught my lower lip, my eyes fluttered closed on their own accord and our lips melted right back into their dance. Suddenly I was pressed up against my car and he kissed me deeper, his lips against mine not rougher but it was more passionate with a burning hunger. My hands grabbed his face as I crashed him into me kissing him back with an equal amount of adore.

Our lips slanted and fell apart; my body was humming with super sensitive senses. I could feel everything that mattered and that simply was Eli, he was all I could feel. I could feel his hot breath tickling the back of my throat, his hands molding to my face as he held me tightly as if I’d slip through his grips. His lips were soft and yet firm and fiery with passion against my own, his body was rigid and paned to perfection as we seemed to connect like perfection, a glorious and beautiful jigsaw piece.

I clutched him back tighter, my hands reaching anything of him I could hold onto and clutch tightly. One hand of mine was tangled in his hair, knuckles deep and my fingers twined in his hair. Whereas my other hand was tangled deeply into shirt as I kept tugging on it, trying to get closer to him. I couldn’t seem to get close enough to him and it made me ache, I ached to be as close as possible, to feel him locked to me. I’d never felt so invigorated nor had I ached so much let alone at the same time until now.

My teeth teasingly grazed along Eli’s tongue that was making it their own quest to explore every inch of my own tongue’s home. I tugged gently on his tongue another tongue and Eli groaned as he grounded his hips into my own, my body arched under the erotic action as I gasped loudly. My mouth slanted greater as I accepted more of him eagerly, desperately as my entire body hummed and yet also screamed with a mixture of so many emotions, I’d never been so full and empty at the same time.

His tongue curled around my own and I moaned sinfully, his taste was phenomenal. His taste was the definition of addiction; he tasted of summer rain and something manly and spicy, yet at the same time safe and warm. It was erotically wicked; it lit a hunger deep in my depths. I just seemed to never get enough of him and I wanted more, all. I held him greedily, clutching him tightly as I pressed him deeper and closer my back pushing further into the car until I melted into it.

Suddenly Eli’s lips left my own and crawled their way down my throat, my head tilted back ‘till all I could see was a dark stormy night sky. I was panting embarrassingly loudly as he kissed and crawled his way down around my throat and collarbone, on my naked clammy wet skin. My head seemed to only fall back further, my eyes rolling into the back of my head as I tugged him closer by his shirt moaning in content.

His lips trailed back up my throat leaving me spineless “Let’s go.” He murmured roughly against the corner of my lips.

“Mmmm.” I moaned miles away in pure tranquility.

A husky chuckle that had my skin crawling met my ears, grabbing my hips he shook them gently “C’mon baby, the keys?” he asked.

My eyes fluttered opened reluctantly “I can still drive home.” I said faintly despite the fact I was feeling dizzy and weak in the knees.

With a shadow of a smile on his lips Eli carried me around to the driver’s door which was shut but not shut properly. Instantly his smile was gone as he frowned down at me, worry in his eyes evident.

I shrugged casually, I don’t think anything could bring me down from this high “I was worried about you.” I whispered honestly as my finger ran in tendrils along his face, tracing all the panes along his strong glorious face.

Eli’s eyes softened despite the fact that I could tell he disapproved about my prior carelessness. Could you blame me though? With the thoughts whirling through my head I thought it was as dramatic as Eli being murdered!

Eli opened the door and picked up the keys and clutch I had carelessly thrown on the seat before. I curled my head into his shoulder feeling almost like a cat as I nuzzled into his shoulder inhaling his spicy scent. Eli looked down at me with the softest eyes imaginable that it warmed my damp body right to the core. Untangling me – much to my reluctance – he sat me down in the passenger seat and literally buckled me in, like I was some baby. I didn’t mind though, not in the slightest, especially when once I was buckled in he pulled back to kiss me on my lips a short but burning kiss.

Taking a deep shaky breath I started the car, I felt so dazed and faint. My mind was nowhere but solely focused on Eli and my scorched swollen lips, I had to get my feet back on the ground somehow. I watched practically hypnotized as Eli raced quickly around the front of the car and launched into the passenger seat.

I reversed and drove out of the car park trying with all my strength to concentrate. The storm was soon to pick up and start up all over again so I’d need to be home quick. Not only that but I had to be careful of any fallen branches or debris, I’d already been told some roads had been closed. I just had to keep myself planted on the ground....that is until we got home.

 I can’t say my legs were planted that firmly though, I blamed Eli for that. He leant in, his lips crawling up from my elbow over my shoulder and up to my jaw. I couldn’t complain though, cause it was just so god damn amazing! Such lips should be illegal I thought dazedly as I fought to not blink at risk of closing my eyes.

“So,” he breathed, his warm breath tickling my bare neck “how was the wedding?”

It took me a minute or two to literally think and comprehend what he said, it was hard to believe that not even an hour ago I was taking photos of at a wedding all alone and now here I was after a wild storm bringing the man of my dreams home with me who happened to be my twin brother’s best friend.

“Great,” I finally managed breathlessly “it was beautiful.”

“Mmmm.” He rumbled against my skin.

“T-the party?” I asked my voice growing embarrassingly shaky.

“Boring, you weren’t there.” He murmured simply, as if it hadn’t literally made my heart skip a beat or two.

I laughed shakily as I turned down my street. Just as Eli’s lips crawled up to my ear and nipped it I pulled into the driveway thanking the Lord for keeping my feet somewhat planted on the ground and my way home clear and safe. I looked up at the house, all the lights were out which didn’t surprise me at what time it was, it was well and truly past midnight. 

Climbing out of the car feeling suddenly like Bambi I made my way around the front of the car instantly reaching out for Eli’s offered hand. Our fingers threaded together as he pulled me into his side tightly as I held him just as close. I smiled wide as we made our way up to the front door and once unlocking it I opened the door pressing my fingers to my lips. Everyone was in bed and asleep and I certainly didn’t want to wake them up when I was pulling Eli along with me. That’s one embarrassing experience I certainly didn’t want to experience.

Making it to my bedroom safely I flicked on my little glowing ball lights that were scattered around the room. Closing the door behind me I could feel his scorching gaze on me making me more conscious than ever and all I was trying to do was take off my heels. Kicking off my first shoe and stumbling whilst taking off my second shoe I collided into his chest giggling.

Clutching his shirt tighter I giggled into his chest, burying my face in his shirt. Eli’s hands came around me, cradling my face into his chest as his chest rumbling, chuckling at me as I continued to giggle. “Shhh.” He murmured as he ran his fingers through my hair.

I looked up at him from his chest, biting my bottom lip guiltily. He smiled dazzlingly, one of his hands came forward and softly caressed my cheek. I smiled my cheek tingling and my breath catching as his head lowered and he captured my lips in a scorching kiss leaving me breathless and hungry. Happily I responded, my arms curling around his neck as I stood up on my tippy toes now without my heels.

My body was instantly back to blazing once again like a wild inferno despite the fact that that I’m drenched to the bone. My heart was already in a sprint and my spine was already shattering as my fingers curled in his hair at the nape of his neck. I felt like the floor was swept out from underneath me and the world was spinning, I’d never kissed so much in my entire life!

Unprepared Eli hooked his arm under my knees knocking my feet out from underneath me as he scooped me up bridal style. I squealed my hands instantly reaching out to wrap around his neck tightly as he walked us towards my bed. I squealed once more as he practically threw me down on the bed before he was over me. I giggled as he crawled up my body, my chest shaking under his close proximity and a loss of breath.

I couldn’t help but feel breathless and mesmerized by that gorgeous smile of his. He smiled down at me with such charm and yet this edge of rugged sexiness that all I could think was I am the luckiest girl alive! I smiled back up at him just before he leant down and wiggled his nose against my own making me giggle softly some more.

I reached up as I gently brushed the hair out of his eyes, it felt like such a vulnerable and intimate moment that it left me speechless, speechless and void of all thoughts. The bed felt softer than usual; like feathers or air even. I melted into the sheets as if the sheets and I were one. Eli’s body was just as melded to my own, I could feel every rugged pane of his body against my own that it was like we’d been sewn together.

Reaching up and tilting my head back I captured his lips as my toes curled in the sheets. It didn’t take it long to escalate and get right back to where we had left off. Our mouths fell apart moving passionately as his taste exploded upon my tongue, we were kissing with such fiery depth that soon I felt myself melting into the sheets and my spine crumbling into dust.

I admit it was lucky we weren’t standing or I would have certainly collapsed under his sinful kiss. Jed and I had never kissed like this before; I’d never been able to kiss him for hours on end and still never get enough let alone had I ever felt such an intense and intimate connection. This was everything – actually more – than portrayed in the books I read. After all of those pages about the power and effects of something as strong as love, it was something I’d never been able to relate to. Then suddenly they were perfectly clear, but the words didn’t give it justice, it didn’t suffice. It wasn’t portrayed as beautiful or powerful as it should be, and why? Because there are no words possible to describe something so phenomenal, something that simply didn’t seem possible. That was the amazing thing about love, even if we were just kissing; it was so fierce and indescribable that it was something you had to experience yourself to understand, because it was so utterly unique. Who honestly wouldn’t want to have this, even for a second?

My fingers knotted in his hairs as our lips slanted, an instant reaction came to as soon as Eli’s tongue curled around my own, a moan. My body arched as my mouth fell open wider with desperation, I needed more. Desperate I tugged him closer running my fingers through his hair pressing his body flat against my own. I shuddered under his touch, his hands trailing from my collarbone, over my heaving breasts to curl around my hips crushing us hip to hip.

I moan under the onslaught of his touch, I feel like I’m humming all over as he holds me close to him in a way that’s a mixture of desperateness and as if I’m a fragile treasure. My body is clouded over with these fiery depths of passion, love and need. His body crushed my own and I loved how I could feel every inch of him against me. My body was throbbing and aching all over for more, my body was calling for him as it recalled his sinful and erotic touch, the pure white numbing bliss and love we’d experience together once whole.

Eli’s lips tore from my own “Ez,” he whispered huskily his lips moving against mine as he spoke.

I couldn’t take it, my hands pulled his face desperately forward, his lips kissing mine once again, his taste and scent becoming more prominent and mouth watering again. My body tickled and trembled as his fingers crawled back up my body again. The desire raging and running through my blood had my body aching, there was so much pain and pleasure all balled up into one. My body was crying out for him, screaming for his intoxicating and tantalizing touch.

With my raging desires and Eli’s hand moving back up my body combined I slammed on the brakes. I gasped tearing my lips from his own my hands reaching out and pushing on his chest saving this room for caving in and burning down into ashes.

“W-wait,” I stammered my chest heaving as I gasped drastically that I felt that in any moment I’d pass out “No- we c-can’t-“ I gasped stringing random sentences along.

Eli froze above me, looking down me alarmed and worried like his life was hanging on by a thread “W-what’s wrong baby?” he breathed raggedly much to my satisfaction.

“I- we can’t do this.” I breathed my voice shaking as my chest continued to heave.

“Do what?” he asked frowning, watching me with soft and worried eyes.

“Have- Make…love.” I struggled for words as I blushed shyly lowering my gaze as I tugged on my lower lip roughly.

Eli’s fingers tugged up under my chin as his thumb unlatched my lips from my teeth “Hey,” he cooed “I’m not after that,” he murmured holding my gaze and keeping me captive “I’m after you.”

My cheeks only burned brighter as I looked away shyly, far from used to such sweet words “I just think that…I just think we should take it slow.” I murmured tugging on the buttons of his shirts “I mean last time we really rushed into things.” I stressed as I thought about that night, the night we were kissing for the first time, whispering those three words for the first time, making love for the first time and even cheating for the first time. That’s one too many firsts for one day alone.

“Hey, hey,” Li crooned catching my chin and catching my gaze once again “I know, we rushed in and I’m not asking for any of that, only you.”

“Unzip me.” I breathed suddenly.

I watched his eyes grow, his mouth fall apart like he’d been slapped right in the face “W-what?” he spluttered.

“Unzip me.” I whispered with complete certainty as if I was simply talking about the weather rather than doing a complete one eighty.

“Ez, we just said we aren’t going to be…intimate tonight.” He said choosing his words delicately as he cupped the side of my face.

I giggled softly brushing the hair out of his eyes “I know silly, but I’m still cold and wet and I really need to get out of this dress.” I moaned.

I watched as Eli looked down the length of my body, his gazing lingering over my dress that clung to every curve and inch of my skin leaving nothing to the imagination. His eyes burned darkening and it had my body aching and my stomach tightening. I’d never been looked at in such a way…

Eli reached around for my zipper drawing it down slowly, my body tensing and shuddering under the slightest of touch. It didn’t take long for the dress to soon follow, the damp cloth clinging to my skin making this feel all the more erotic of my highly sensitized skin. Left in nothing but my undergarments I reached behind myself unlatching my bra and with every inch of my skin exposed it was like the breath was knocked out of him that little bit more until I was open and vulnerable underneath him.

I watched as Eli exhaled a shaky and ragged breath making my insides squirm. I loved how he made me feel like a woman rather than a girl, I felt sexy and gorgeous, and he gave me this confidence I’d never had before. I smiled softly up at him, loving this enriched and powerful feeling I was experiencing, loving the way he looked at me.

Reaching up for his button I began to unbutton his shirt “Ez.” He warned weakly.

“Calm down Li, I just don’t want you to catch a cold.” I murmured softly as I moved onto the next button “Besides,” I murmured leaning down to brush my lips against his now bare shoulder “I just want to be close to you.”

I listened to him make a sound in the back of his throat, almost a hum and a moan as he pressed his lips to the top of my head and held them there as he succumbed under my touch. I graced his body in adored kisses and brushes as I unwrapped him like a present. A naughty present the devilish side of me thought being just as naughty.

Soon I was curled up in his arms, my head tucked under his chin as my head rose and fell to the beat of his heart. I was being practically lulled to sleep by the warmth his body provided, his tantalizing and security promised scent and simply the lull of his heart and tantalizing touch. His fingers were running in torrents down my bare back making my body blaze and tickle as I smiled dreamily.

There we laid in complete and utter silence, flesh to flesh. We were naked, utterly exposed and stripped down to bones and skin. There were no more masks; there were no more hidden secrets or lies, just the two of us. I needed to feel his skin against me, I needed that connection and more so I needed that security that he was there, that I had him and would never lose him again. I needed him like I needed oxygen.

“I’m sorry.” I whispered softly, finally breaking the silence as I fought falling into a heavenly slumber. I couldn’t stop thinking as I laid there curled up in his arms how far I had pushed him away, how far I came to actually losing him. All I could think about was how we appeared to be unmasked and true to each other and here I was holding a secret that could set him free, set us free.

Eli’s fingers paused on the smaller part of my back “What are you sorry for?” he asked murmuring into the top of my hair, his warm breath tickling my skin.

“I’m so sorry for hurting you, I hurt you so much.” I whispered softly staring sadly over at the wall, I couldn’t look him in the eyes as the guilt left me breathless and shattered, I felt so small and undeserving.

There was a pause, a pause long enough that instantly has me wanting to run, to get the hell out of there. Did I blow it by bringing up all my faults and flaws? Was he starting to question why the hell he was right back to being naked in my bed and thinking it is a mistake? Could he never forgive me and my mistakes and that’s why he was silent? The thought of it let alone the high possibility its true left me in ruins.

“What actually happened Ez?” he murmured softly, his voice sounding almost destroyed and it shattered me at how vulnerable he was, how he was so vulnerable because of me.

“I screwed up so much.” I whispered my voice breaking “I-I went to break up with him, I really did.” My voice trembled as I tried to make him realize that I certainly didn’t love Jed and that I didn’t want to hurt him at all, I loved him. The thought of him thinking differently had a broken sob fill the air.

“Shhh baby,” he cooed to me, running his fingers through my hair soothingly “I’m here.” He whispered to me, knowing just what to say.

I looked down at his chest, tracing the panes of his chest as I worked up the courage to finally utter the next three words that left my mouth “He hit me.”

“He did what?” he snarled, his fingers in my hair turning into a fist, his voice like a fierce roar that would leave anyone a sniveling spineless fool.

“I- please don’t be mad.” I tried reaching out for him desperately trying to hold onto something.

His hands were fisted and I could feel him pulling back, reasons I wasn’t sure. Was he disgusted in me? Or was he disgusted in Jed? Was he beating himself up for not knowing and that’s why he was about to walk out that door? Or was he ready to walk out that door to finish Jed off? I didn’t want that, I had already lost him once and that was unbearable, yet here I was experiencing firsthand the heart breaking slice of abandonment, the raw sting of rejection – still, it was nothing like Eli had endured and that made me sick, sick to the core with guilt.

“Please!” I begged of him my voice breaking in desperation as I reached for him suddenly wishing he was wearing a shirt or something, something that gave me leverage to cling to him “Please don’t leave me.” I begged pitifully, tears clouding my vision as I let myself succumb to this pathetic love struck girl.

Two big strong hands that also felt tender and warm under their touch captured my face, curling around my face as they tipped my face up to meet their gaze. Those blazing eyes seemed to melt only more with just one glance as he pressed his forehead to my own. I sniffled and choked softly as tears slowly and silently fell down my face as I held them tighter, closer, my nails probably biting into his skin. He never once protested though, he laid there pressed against me offering me his soothing touch as the storm calmed.

“Shhh my silly girl, I’m not going.” He cooed softly to me, practically rocking me in his arms as his soft lips brushed the almost dry tears aside “Haven’t you heard what I’ve been saying for the past hour, these past years? All I want is you.” He murmured tapping my nose playfully, lovingly.

I giggled weakly as I reached up to wipe the tears away “I just thought….I mean what with everything…” I shook my head unable to put the words together without making myself sound stupid “I’m just being stupid.” I admitted.

“You’re not being stupid.” He dismissed softly, running his fingers through my hair once again “You’ve been through a lot.” He hinted, pushing me to tell him the events of these past horrid weeks, the nightmare that bizarre enough was my life.

From there the words seemed to just tumble out, I told him everything, right down to the very detail. I told him that when it first happened I was scared and terrified and when I finally took a stand and was ready to reach out to them did the bribery start. I told him how Jed showed me the video of Mel and how I started a plan as I felt like I owed her, how I corned and trapped Mel into helping and that very night I deleted the video only to find something else…drugs and worse, him actually cheating on me. This all leading to how it looked like I was sad by finding him cheating, Mel telling Liam, Jed threatening Eli’s life leading me right up to the first glance I saw him out there in that stupid storm. I recalled everything that happened in this whirlwind tornado that I call life, my life.

“That’s the night you called me.” Eli murmured piecing it together as he talked more so to himself. It was the first time he had spoken up, he had kept awfully quite and stony not letting any of his thoughts about my story known.

I nodded recalling all of these events having me a wired and fragile person once again, my voice breaking and my eyes stinging “I didn’t know what to do and I was scared and I-“ my voice cracked as I began to softly sob.

“Why didn’t you just tell me what was going on?” he asked softly in pure wonder, it was clear he literally did not understand why I hadn’t told him or anyone else.

“I was embarrassed and…” I trailed off unsure if I should continue on, but this was a brand new time for me, a time of honesty and laying down my scars “And I thought you hated me, I didn’t want you to hate me more.” I whispered softly looking down at my fingers, they looked so small and frail just like I felt as I once again put my heart out there on the line.

I listened to the sound of him release a sigh of aggravation and exhaustion, almost a gentle chuckle as I held my breath. His hands captured my face once more seeking for my eyes “I could never hate you,” he stressed searching my eyes for something and as if he found it he continued by uttering three words that had my world falling apart “I love you.”

I choked on a sob as grabbed his face in my shaky hands “You love me, like you love me love me?” I trembled in disbelief.

Eli’s lips tipped in a boyish way “Why do I feel like we’ve had this conversation before?” he murmured out loud teasingly “Of course I love you.” He answered seriously as he captured my face in his hands like I was a gem, his eyes boring into mine with such an intensity I felt like I’d been knocked off my feet.

“B-but…but I thought…just friends?” I spluttered trying with all my might to push back down my rising hopeful heart, I couldn’t be broken again, I refuse.

Eli shook his head in wonder “I thought I – we – were a mistake to you.” He murmured softly, I flinched under the sting of my words and harm “I was just trying to be who you wanted me to be.”

I shook my head clutching his face tighter, nose to nose “No,” I shook my head wildly with sharpness “I’ve never seen you as a friend, we were never a mistake.” I stressed trying to get him to understand what happened, even if what I had told him and what had happened sounded ridiculous.

“We were never a mistake?” he asked almost double checking with my certainty, the fact that he had to check had a heavy weight sitting in my stomach.

I shook my head “No!” I protested my voice breaking “You will never be a mistake to me Eli, that night…that night was the best thing that has ever happened to me.” I stressed as I held him closer, tighter as my hands shook and my voice wobbled with such fiery passion, could he ever trust me to see how I felt?

“The most beautiful thing.” He added after.

I nodded hiccupping on a sob as I fought away the tears “Uh huh, the best, most beautiful, amazing, mind blowing!” I rattled off as I tried with all my might to meld us together by how tight and close I was clutching him, I couldn’t seem to get close enough.

“Heart racing.” He pressed.

I nodded earnestly choking on a silent laugh “Oh god yes, heart raci-“

I was broken off as his lips met mine, it wasn’t a desperate or fiery kiss and yet it still left me barreled over and breathless. His lips were ever so tender and soft; it was like caressing a fluffy cloud or the caress of a butterfly’s wing. His lips molded and melted against mine in such a passionate way, it was even more passionate by how gentle and slow it was – erotic. It was enough for my heart to stop for well over a second or two, my mind just disconnected myself and I succumbed into the enchanting touch leaving me falling head over heels and floating in pure mind numbing bliss.

Eli’s lips slid from my own, tauntingly slowly as he pulled back. My eyes fluttered opened as I looked up at him, feeling like someone had stolen my body from me as I lost all control. All I could think was simply wow!

Eli’s eyes blazed with such a tenderness it was like melted chocolate, his bright ocean blue depths stared into my own with such love and devotion it left me breathless as he caressed my cheek “I love you, like I really love you love you.” He murmured, his lips tipping at the corners.

I blushed as I looked up at him shyly “I love you too.” I murmured softly, afraid that one stupid step and this enchanting moment would all just fall apart.

Eli’s eyes seemed to only soften some more leaving me breathless “I can’t believe you doubted me even for a second, I love you so god damn much.” He murmured holding me tighter, his fingers knotting in my hair.

My heart tumbled as I whispered my lips against his own “I can’t believe you ever doubted me,” I murmured back “I’ve been in love with you since I can remember.” I murmured honestly as I ran the back of my fingers along his jaw “I love you, forever and always.”

He smiled just as I smiled back, the both of us reaching out to hold the other one tighter. I smiled in his side, my heart leaping and dancing around crazily in my chest. If he wasn’t there I probably would have gotten out of bed to sing and squeal at the top of my lungs. Instead I allowed myself to bury into his hold accepting him entirely, accepting him entirely not worrying about the possibility of falling, of the aftermath.

In that moment I felt the euphoria of freedom, of finally releasing all my secrets and demons to those I had been hiding from. I literally and figuratively shredded myself naked so that the one that owned my heart could see all my flaws, my demons, my battle scars and even my mistakes. I felt a blissful freedom having no walls and lies surrounding me, all my walls came crumbling down and I succumbed to the truth, to love.

Eli pressed his lips to the crown of my head and I smiled dopily as I nuzzled my face up and under his chin some more earning myself a collective sigh of bliss “I love you baby.” Eli murmured running his fingers up and down my spine making me shiver.

I hummed in heaven as I looked up at him, unable but to remove my goofy grin “I love you too Li.” I whispered reaching up to run my fingers around his eyes; he smiled softly leaning into my touch.

“Forever and always.” He finished for us as he brushed his lips against my fingers making me giggle. He sighed heavenly “I’ve missed you so much baby girl.”

I smiled faintly “I missed you too.” I whispered honestly “I…” I hesitated.

Eli frowned “You what?” he urged gently.

“I am sorry,” I finally whispered “you know…for everything.” I said unable to put into words everything that I had done into one lone sentence “I hope…that someday you forgive me, you trust me.” I whispered sadly.

Eli shook his sadly “I have already forgiven you baby.”

I looked at him torn, so soon? “How can you possibly already forgive and forget?” I whispered forlorn.

Eli smiled faintly, a bitter sweet smile “Because despite how utterly idiotic you were being and what you were doing, I can live with you being a hero as long as I selfishly know that throughout this all not once was I not good enough for you, and not once did Jed own your heart.” He murmured honestly, his voice so raw with passion, sadness and forlorn too.

My eyes softened at the sting of his words, how did he not feel good enough for me? If anyone should feel inadequate it should be, I had done so many stupid things!

I brushed my lips over his chin “You’ve always been enough,” I whispered “more than enough.” I assured “It’s you that deserves better, someone who isn’t so stupid and who wouldn’t scar you.” I whispered brokenly.

Eli’s fingers tipped under my chin “To earn the heart of a woman that has enough strength to take the blow of an attack to protect the ones she loves is certainly more than any man deserves.” He whispers to me passionately, with such fiery tenderness and sureness.

I smiled softly, my heart skipping a beat “You’ve always had my heart.” I murmured curling up into his hold.

Eli hummed softly as he held me tighter to him, curling me up in his arms as he wrapped himself around me protectively. He is always saving me I think to myself contently. I laid there in his clutches feeling more whole, content and loved than I had in such a long time. There was no dread of the next morning, there were no fears of the future and there was certainly no empty hollow feeling sitting deep in my body. All I could feel was the blissful euphoria of love, of true happiness and of daydreams.

Here we were once again, seeming to rush into things so quick and fast that it left you dizzy and clutching on tight. But they were the best of fairytale stories, were they not? It was those stories were they fall in love in a matter of days and even more heart melting falling in love just by that first mesmerizing glance. Now that was a love story and it was also my own love story, our love story. 

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