Let Me Love You

Chapter 23

They had made it to the bedroom, with a few pit-stops along the way when they couldn't resist each other. He had carried her up the stairs, their naked bodies still connected, and he stopped to take her against the wall the moment she bit into his earlobe.

Norma cried out beneath Alex, her hands clutching desperately at his back as they climaxed together for the third time that evening. He leaned down to press a kiss to her nose before rolling off of her, their bodies peeling apart with a mutual groan.

She let out a breathless laugh, curling into his side and wrapping her arm around his torso, her head resting naturally on his chest. He smiled against the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her and clutching her tightly against him.

"Can we talk now?" he whispered against her head, immediately feeling her body go rigid. She didn't respond, her hand absentmindedly trailing down his stomach, fingers brushing over his member. His hand shot out to still hers before she could distract him any further.

"Don't change the subject," he chuckled.

She sighed, rolling away from him and he instantly regretted letting the question leave his mouth. But as much as he wanted to be in the bubble again, he knew she hadn't forgiven him. He turned on his side, watching as she stared at the ceiling, her mouth set in a straight line. After a few moments, he could tell she wasn't going to respond, and he sat up against the headboard, staring down at her seriously.

"Fine, I'll talk," he began and, without turning her head, she met his gaze out of the corner of her eye.

"I love you. More than anything in this world and I want what's best for you. I know you don't believe me when I say this, but I did not do this for me. I want Norman to be well and I was scared for your safety. That's all. I'm so sorry for bringing you pain. I've only ever wanted to bring you happiness."

She watched him, her heart softening at the sincerity in his voice. She believed him. As furious as she still was, she believed everything he said. Tears formed in her eyes and she angrily swiped them away, frustrated at them for betraying her when she wanted to be mad.

He reached out, tenderly stroking her cheek and her eyes slid shut. "I'm so sorry, Norma."

Giving in, she let the tears fall in earnest, turning on her side, her back to him as she let out a gut-wrenching sob. He ached to comfort her, but he would never touch her if she didn't want to be touched. "Can I hold you?" he whispered.

She could only nod, as the tears streamed down her face. He curled himself around her body, pulling her back against his chest and held her hands in his. "I'm sorry baby. I'm so sorry. I love you, I'm here." Her body shook with the force of her sobs and he nuzzled into her neck, repeating the mantra in her ear until she had finally calmed down enough to speak.

"I'm so mad at you Alex. I want to hate you but I don't. I'm so tired of fighting you but I can't forgive you. Not yet."

His heart broke at her words. But at the same time, he felt hope. Not yet. That was a good sign. "You don't have to forgive me. Just take your time. I'll be here when you're ready. I'm not going anywhere."

Her body finally relaxed, sagging against him as he continued to hold her, soothingly stroking her fingers. His eyes fell shut as he soaked in every moment of being close to her. "Tell me what you need," he whispered. "Do you want me to go?"

She shook her head slowly. "No. Just hold me."

He smiled to himself, opening his eyes as hers fell shut. He stared at the side of her exhausted, beautiful face, a sudden desperate urge to kiss her that he ultimately resisted. After a few moments of silence, her breathing grew heavy.