Five Words

Chapter 47

~Cher

"Mmm.." I feel hot air tickling the back of my neck, "How come you always smell like vanilla?"

What?

My eyes are still closed, and all I can see is darkness. I am not ready to wake up, although I feel the light surrounding me. I want to open my eyes to see what Ace is up to. But it is so hard, and it is too comfortable to even think about waking up.

I feel something tickle the back of my neck and I move my head back to push it away.

"Cher..."

The sweetest of sounds.

"I am loving this."

I recognize the voice as Ace's. I don't want to wake up, but his voice is raspy, which sends tingles through my body. What is he loving? I want to ask him, but I am too relaxed. I'm too reluctant to banish this ease, peace, and calmness that I am feeling.

All of that melts away when I feel it. Him. I feel him tightening his grip around me, bringing my body closer to his. Realization is dawning on me, as well as fright. That explains why I am too comfortable, that I feel like I am floating. That explains the relaxation that has taken over my body. That explains the warmth that has embraced me. That explains why this is the best restful sleep I have ever gotten. That explains why I never want this to end.

"Ace..." I try to swivel my way out of his arms, but he doesn't allow it.

"Good morning, cherié."

I have never heard anything sexier than this. The slight rasp in his voice and its deepness.

"You promised me." I argue weakly as I allow my body to relax and fall back against his chest.

"Mhmm.." He hums and I make out that his lips are brushing against the skin of my neck.

That's how close we are. He is playing on dangerous grounds with my heart.

"I did."

"Then what are you doing?"

I am not complaining. But I need this to end. I'm not strong enough to push him. My determination has worn out the second he called me cherié.

"You were feeling cold last night, so I came up with a way to warm you up." I feel his body shake with laughter, which makes me smile.

"That's a very corny excuse, Ace." I chuckle.

"You were." He lies and he nuzzles further at me and I close my eyes, savoring the proximity.

"I have something to ask you." He says.

"Ace, I think we should—"

He cuts me off.

"I know what you're thinking of. Just for a while, Cher, then I'll let you go."

Don't let me go, my heart screams.

"Why did you shake your head?" He asks me.

"I didn't."

"Yes, you did."

"No, I didn't." And I struggle against him, which only makes him pull me close till our bodies are one.

"I have something to ask you."

"Now? While we're like this?"

Why are we like this is what I want to ask him, but I'm scared of what he might answer.

"Yes, so I can hear you better." He says, "Why do you love Wuthering Heights so much?"

"Seriously? That's what you were wondering about?" I laugh.