Always(Trilogy)

Chapter 32

-Song Obsession of the Day: Did I Mention from Disney's Descendants- (This song is so freaking catchy!)

*Allison's POV*

I've been awake for a while now, but I can't seem to want to get out of bed and leave my spot beside Daniel. I know Daniel's awake as well; I woke up to his fingers lightly tracing up and down the length of my back. 

I don't think I've ever felt more at peace. Daniel and I talked all through the night until my voice was hoarse and my nose and eyes were red and puffy from crying. And when I was beyond exhausted and I could shed no more tears, Daniel held me until I fell fast asleep. 

Daniel's fingers continue to brush against the skin at my back, my body cradled closely in his, our breathing in sync. Neither of us say anything, the silence speaks a million words for itself. 

I'm not sure how much time passes before I find the courage to mutter the words I've been terrified to say since the last time I'd given my heart to someone else.

"I love you." The words come out softly. For a few moments that feel like an eternity, Daniel doesn't react. His breathing stays the same, his heartbeat  is steady, his fingers don't pause in their glorious dance on my skin. And then he lifts my chin up  so that I can look him in the eyes. 

His face is serious, but his eyes shine with an emotion that cannot be put into words. His right hand slides up and cups my cheek. My eyelids flutter closed as his thumb gently caresses my skin. 

*Daniel's POV*

When her captivating blue eyes reunite with mine, I can do nothing but stare and get lost in them for a minute. No woman, besides my mother of course, has said 'I love you' since June. Now that Allison and I have both said the words, something ignites in me fast and bold like a wildfire. I will do anything and everything to protect this woman and I will hurt anyone who has hurt her. 

My hand glides up to cup her cheek and my thumb gently rubs back and forth at the soft skin on her cheek. She's so beautiful. 

My lips leave gentle kisses on each of her eyelids, the tip of her nose, both sides of her cheeks, and by the time I make it to her lips, they're turned up in a shy smile. Her eyes open and I can see true, genuine happiness performing a dance number. 

"I love you, Allison." And I will spend the rest of my life loving you. The last part I don't say, not yet. I want to continue to take things slow. I don't want her to ever feel like I'm trying to rush things, although there is something telling me that she is the one. If I had my way, I'd bend down on one knee right here, right now and propose to her. 

But it's the slight glimmer of fear wavering in her eyes that stops me from doing it. It's small, but it's there. That small fear that now that she's become vulnerable enough to give her heart to someone else, they'll break it again, just like Harry did. 

Anger flashes up in my chest, bright and unwavering. Allison doesn't need to go into all the gory details in order for me to get even a little inkling of how deeply he scarred her...how much he hurt her. I swear to God if I ever see that guy, the first thing I'll do is punch him in the face. 

Finally, my mouth brushes against hers for just a moment, testing and tentative. She doesn't pull away. I softly press my lips to hers again, and this time it is slow with passion. I encircle my arms around her waist and pull her as close as she can possibly be. Our lips move in a slow, heated dance and are perfectly in-sync. 

*Allison's POV*

Daniel breaks the kiss, nearly reluctant. He leaves a tender kiss to the skin at the base of my neck.