Sharp Flowers

Part 24

My eyes flutter open to my dim, quiet bedroom. Sebastian's fallen asleep for some time now. His body curled around me and my head on his chest. I sneak a peek at his face, part of me expecting to see that smirk of his I know all too well. His features are relaxed, though. I consider the many expressions I've seen cross his sharp face. I've seen rage and anger, despair, humor, and happiness. Right now, he looks so at ease without a care in the world. It's peaceful and comforting lying here with him, even if it is a bit cramped. If I didn't know any wiser, he appears like any other man, but his lack of breath or rise and fall of his chest reminds me for a second that he isn't human. I nuzzle in closer, his broad, muscular chest under my hand. This has to be the closest we've been to true privacy. He's such a gentleman despite being a demon. To hell with being a demon. He's beyond temptation this close. Sebastian stirs, and I close my eyes again. Get ahold of yourself Raven, what are you thinking? There are other things to worry about. I can't let myself think about foolish things. Sebastian's hand brushes my hair back, slow and soft.

"Evening, my princess," Sebastian whispers.

"Did I wake you?" I murmur, and he snorts.

"Your heart is like a war drug," Sebastian points out.

"Oh," I reply. Sebastian's senses are so keen I wonder if he can feel how much I want to touch more of him?

"Care to enlighten me on what has you so worked up?" he inquires, and I inhale sharply when his fingers graze my cheek. I roll over, and he chuckles as if already knowing. My face burns hot, and it doesn't help when he wraps his arms around my waist to pull me closer to him. How easily he has my heart pounding, deep breathing, and my face flushing. Though my nerves are starting to raise uncomfortable doubt.

"What makes a flower at peace suddenly wilt? How might I see it smile again," Sebastian wonders.

"What are we, you and I?" I whisper, my stomach flipping the second the words leave my tongue. Sebastian holds his silence for a moment or two before removing his hand to prop himself up on his elbow. Please say something... I can't bear this silence.

"Whatever you want us to be," Sebastian suggests. What I want are you, soft kisses and tender touch, someone to lean on. Give me your support, make my heart hot and crazy, give me all of you.

"I want you with me. Sebastian, I love you," I tell him, rolling over to meet his smoldering blue eyes. His fingertips press into the bed, and he leans ever so closer. "What do you want?" I ask. His Adam's apple bobs, and he bites his bottom lip.

"How much more of you can I ask?" Sebastian wonders, his voice amorously low.

"What have you asked me for?" I wonder, blinking a little lost at him.

"Your trust," Sebastian answers, and I just smile at him.

"It was given willingly. Tell me, Sebastian, what is you want," I continue.

"I want all of you. I want your heart, soul, and body to be mine," Sebastian states, "I want to hold you like this, to love you- every part of you," Sebastian goes on. Leaving forward, he whispers in my ear, his breath tickling my ear. I take in a deep breath and bite my lip. Sebastian pulls me closer as if possible, and his lips press against mine. Unlike before, where he was softer and more careful, his lips are urgent with my need. He pulls back too soon and brushes my hair back.

"Why now, Sebastian?" I wonder.

"Why now what?" he asks, frowning at the question.

"Why settle down now? You've been alive longer, you're a king, so surely you've had plenty of opportunities to settle down," I point out. I drop my gaze from him, almost feeling dumb for asking such a question at the moment.