17

LINDEN

“This is a terrible idea, Gabriel.” Her voice was low and shook a bit.

I kept my arms around her petite waist and began kissing the part of her neck where she was most sensitive. “Why? Because we’re too good to be true to one another?”

She should not be second-guessing herself. She knew my intention that this was not just a one-time thing. What we felt was real, more than just itch or lust, or sex. It was undeniably real. Sometimes it frightened me.

“I don’t know why I feel like this. Why am I still trusting you after what happened in Italy? I should be running away from you, Gabriel.”

“You shouldn’t be running away from me. You should be running into my arms, Estelle. You know that’s the right thing to do. So why fight now when we both know how good we are together?”

“You know why.”

“I don’t give a fuck. You know what. I will do everything in my power to have you in my arms every day and night.”

When she held my hands, I thought my world faded around me, but instead, s