Yet Broken Still You Breathe

Chapter 35

"Never mind," I said. "Never mind, never mind."

"But you do mind," a small voice said.

"No," I insisted. For a while it was quiet.

Then it said again, "you do."

And I said, "I do. But it aches too much to admit it." - Sue Zhao

Warmth surrounded her, the comforting weight of a broad chest pressed against her back. She could smell the familiar scent of leather, pine, and something uniquely Alistair. Memories from the night before flooded her mind, recalling soft caresses and whispered declarations of love as they fell asleep, giddy in their shared confessions. Despite the looming challenges ahead, Gwen's heart swelled at the thought that Alistair - the man whose endless kindness melted her heart, who never failed to bring a smile to her face, who she loved more than anything - loved her in return. It was like a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders, one she didn't even realize she was carrying until it disappeared.

Monsters don't deserve love, but there she was, wrapped in the arms of the man who loved her. If she was capable of being loved, she allowed herself to hope that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't a monster after all.

A warm hand rested on her belly, slowly drifting lower until it was halted as she lay her hand gently on top. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she spoke. "And just what do you think you're doing, exactly?"

She felt Alistair's warm breath tickle the back of her neck as he grinned mischievously before he let out a loud, obnoxious snoring noise and playfully attempted to move his hand lower. She could feel his fingers dancing along her skin, teasing and tempting her.

Despite the intense desire pulsing between her thighs, the bright sun streaming through the window reminded her of their limited time. An elbow to his ribs caused a sharp cough to erupt from his chest followed by an exaggerated wheeze, his hand moving to cradle his injured side with tender care.

"Ow," he protested. "Is this the thanks I get for trying to make it a pleasant morning for the both of us?"

"You will get your thanks later," she promised, delighting in the sound of his breath catching in his throat. "But you have more important things to get to."

She shifted her weight, gently rolling onto her side and reaching out to place a hand on his chest. The fabric of his shirt was warm and smooth beneath her touch, and she traced her fingers over the contours of his muscles. His hands found her waist, fingers digging into the soft flesh as he pulled her closer. She could feel his heart beating steadily beneath her palm, matching the rhythm of her own.

His eyes, still heavy with remnants of slumber, peered down at her. His hair was tousled and a bit of drool crusted to his cheek, but Gwen couldn't help but think he was the most gorgeous person she had ever seen.

"Nothing is more important than the beautiful, naked woman I have in my arms right now." He tilted his head and leaned in, pressing his lips against hers, and pulled her impossibly closer, their legs entwining together. She felt her heart skip a beat and her body become pliant, but she managed to maintain some semblance of composure.

"I hardly see how it's fair that I'm the only one without clothes." She pouted, her hand slipping beneath his shirt, his skin fiery under her touch. She watched with a small flicker of pride as his pupils expanded, his lips parting as she traced small shapes along his stomach.

"It's unfortunate that we'll have to wait," she teased, grinning as his eyes darkened. "But perhaps it will give you something to look forward to during your undoubtedly dreadful meeting with Eamon."