“I love you too.” He presses a lingering kiss to my shoulder as I begin to sink into oblivion.

But not before I hear him whisper, “You’re mine now, Red. And I won’t let anyone come between us again.”

21

ELLIOT

Ilie there for the longest time just watching Abi sleep in my arms.

My body is still singing from our first time together, my dick in a constant semi-hard state from both remembering how hot it was and being desperate to have her again.

Being with Abi was unlike everything I’d experienced before.

It was so much more. It was everything.

But at the same time, it was nowhere near enough.

I’m not sure anything will be when it comes to the shy quiet girl who matches my darkness like for like.

She’s firmly under my skin. Tattooed on my heart. Buried into my fucking soul.

Her warm breath rushes over my skin, making it erupt in goosebumps as she sleeps soundly, her arm wrapped tightly around my waist and her thigh pinned between mine.

The thought of her holding onto me, the idea of her actually still wanting me to be here in the morning—and not just for bragging rights—makes my heart race in the most terrifying yet incredible way.

Unlike everyone else in my life—my friends aside—she’s the only one who truly wants me for me.

I’ve never felt that from my parents, my brother.Everyone has always wanted more from me.

Expected more.

Demanded more.

Unease ripples through me.

As amazing as this is… It’s not real.

It can’t be.

Pain lashes at my chest making it harder and harder to breathe.

Now I have her, I can’t imagine my life without Abigail in it.

She’s the light in all my darkness. The hope I’ve been living without all my life.

She’s…

“Fuck,” I breathe, holding her even tighter.

She moans, stirring against me, and guilt instantly poisons my veins.

The last thing I want to do is hurt her. But also… I want to hold her so tight that she can never escape.

I can’t help but wonder if I’m going to be battling this war for the next—my stomach bottoms out—however long we have.

I’ve no idea how long I lay there holding her tight, praying it can last forever, but eventually, my exhaustion drags me under and I drift off into a fitful sleep.

I’ve got my girl in my arms, everything should be right in my world.