Once upon a time

Chapter 13: Three words, seven letters

Alec P.O.V

I tiredly open my eyes to see Madison's tear strained face resting on my chest but there was a slight smile on her lips that assured me. Her hair was sprawled over the pillows and her cheeks were still rosy. The sheets are tangled beneath us and I smile at the memories of last night. Madison had let out a contented sigh and buried her face into my shoulder.

I run my fingers through her hair, gently. She had been through so much, she was so strong and it nearly destroyed me to see her with a hopeless look in her blue eyes. The way she pleaded for me to help her forget the pain. "Morning." she whispers sleepily and then she seems to remember the events of last night.

Her cheeks turn bright red and she hides herself with the duvet. I laughed at her sudden change of mood. I sobered, thinking of what I had done. I had taken advantage of her when she was vulnerable. "Thank you." she whispers, interrupting my thoughts. I look at her face to see a smile on her face.

Without thinking, I blurb out my next thought. "I love you." I said, she turns to me, surprised. Then tears fill up her eyes and they spill over as she says, "Why?" I was astounded, why wouldn't I? Her enchanting blue eyes, creamy skin, strong spirit and golden heart had captured me. I sighed and pulled her into my arms, gently.

"Promise me that you will let me love you for the rest of our days and I will promise that I will tell you infinite reasons I have for loving you." I said, looking into her eyes. She sobs and nods her head. I gently kiss away her tears. I tighten my arms around her waist, knowing that despite this short time, I had found a lifelong treasure.

I would stay with her, forever. Nothing would stop me from loving her. She deserved more and I would try my very hardest to give her more. But it seemed like she was the one who was bestowing her kisses and love to me. She gently caresses my face and slides her arms around my neck.

"You are so beautiful." I said, looking at her. She blushes and buries her face in my neck. If only I could show her beauty, inside and out. She raises her face and looks at me, curiously. I smirked as I leaned in to plant a kiss on her lips. As our lips touched, the background faded away and all I could see was her.

Her scent, her skin and her everything. Our lips part, leaving me dazed and light-headed. It should be illegal for having so much power over me. I remember our lovemaking, how she trusted me, completely. How she gave her heart to me. How our souls joined as one. How she looked utterly gorgeous when the moonlight made her skin shine.

"What are you thinking about?" she asks, shyly. Her blue eyes are so innocent smirk. "About last night." I confessed, she closes her eyes and a breathtaking smile takes over her face. "Last night was perfect." she says, blushing. I smiled and I was relieved that she had enjoyed herself.

"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" I asked. She blushes and she hides her face again. "Okay, I am slightly sore, I guess." she whispers, making me relieved that I didn't hurt her. I sat up and yawned. I turned to her startled expression at my sudden movements.

"Want to take a shower with me?" I asked, she falls silent, thinking. Then I carry her in my arms to the bathroom. "Sorry, sweetheart. I guess the answer is decided." I replied, with a smile on my face. In the shower, we take turns washing each and she was so tempting. I had her back against the wall, kissing her. She was too much for my control.

After a wonderfully long shower, we come out feeling refreshed and happy. I quickly get dressed. I watch as she gets dressed, she flushes at my gaze. "Stop staring at me, you're making me distracted." she says, giving me a pout that makes my imagination go wild. "I'm sorry. You're just too attractive for your own good." I said.

She shakes her head, but gives me a peck on the lips which I deepen by sliding my arms around her waist. After last night, I have no control and I can take my hands off of her. She bits her lips and sighs deeply.

I pull her into her arms and she buries her face into my neck. "I just can't believe that she is gone." she mumbles, softly. I stroke her hair, tenderly. I know how much her mother meant to her. Despite everything, Madison loved her. Not that a child could ever despise his or her mother at least not completely.

She sits on my lap, sighing. "I wonder what she doing, right now. But I know she's happier now." she says, giving me a hopeful smile. "Yeah, she is. " I agreed, kissing her temple. She blushes under my steady gaze. She was just so beautiful. "Alec?" she calls my name, bringing me back to reality.

"Hmm?" I replied, her eyes connect with mine and they are full of determination. She takes a shuddering breath as if she was to bare her soul to me. "You told me that you loved me, right? I just wanted you to know that . . . I-I love you, too." she says, timidly looking at her hands. She loved me, a huge grin took over my face.

I place my hand gently on her chin and lift her face close to mine. "Sorry, what was that?" I asked, with a smug smirk. She flushed bright and started rambling about the weather. She was adorable. I slam my lips onto hers. She welcomes me and happily, we join our souls together.