Kiss of Life

"What?" I asked, my lips parting. "What did you say?"

He swallowed, his hand still on my cheek. This time, he moved his fingers a little, and I felt the small caress right to the depths of my soul.

He blinked slowly, then broke into a small smile. He looked weak and tired.

"I love you, Hazel. I am sorry."

His slight grip around my face weakened, and I held on to his hand, my eyes filling with tears. He loves me. He said he loves me.

My heart felt lke it was about to burst with maddening euphoria, and I leaned forward, letting my hands explore his body slightly as I did, then brought my hands back to cup his face.

His eyes were closing slowly now, and the hand that had been on my cheek had fallen back onto the bed.

"Austin." I said, and his lashes fluttered. My chest felt warm, warmer than I had ever felt. I leaned forward and kissed his lips. His response was very weak, almost nonexistent, and I moved forward, kissing him like I owned the right to. Because maybe I did.

I broke the ki