Page 96 of Peaceful Chaos

Carina waits patiently for him to realize she's there. He tightens his hold on me and turns towards her. "Hi, Mom," he greets her.

I hear her gasp softly. "Hello, I'm guessing you've got a story to share with us."

He nods, and his cheek brushes against the side of my head. "It's late though. I think it will hold until breakfast. I've got some making up to do with my wife."

It is my turn to gasp, and I swat his shoulder. "I can't believe you just said that to your mom."

I feel the rumble of his laugh against my chest. "Dirty birdie," he whispers into my hair.

Peeking from the curtain of my hair, I see Carina fighting a laugh. She clears her throat. "This end of the house is very private. I'll leave the two of you to, uh, catch up."

"Oh God," I groan, and they both laugh.

Carina slips out of the room, turning the lock to guarantee us privacy.

"How?" I blurt out the moment we're alone.

His face appears drawn and there are dark circles under his eyes. "I promise I'll tell you everything, but I just want to hold you right now."

"Just hold me?" I ask, cocking an eyebrow.

He smirks. "I've got a bit of energy left in me."

Carrying my weight across the room, he drops me into the center of the king size bed. He climbs on behind me and stops to look around the room. "The last time I was here we were being kept apart."

"That'll never happen again," I promise him.

He turns his head, and I can see the lingering fear in his eyes. "For a while tonight I thought it would. Your uncle isn't the threat, but it is still there."

Taking the lead, I kiss him hungrily. The idea he could be taken from me by an enemy we can't fight like we can my father terrifies me. Words fail me, so I try and show him with every breath, every muscle in my body how much I need him.

This time is different. We're both tired, and yet there's no rush to sleep. We spend time touching, kissing, and reassuring each other. The threats against us are mounting, but those are problems for tomorrow. Tonight we're together, and tonight is all we really have. Tomorrow is a gift, and not something that is guaranteed for anyone.

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