Page 27 of Tower of Temptations

Her hand dropped from her hair. "Was what?"

Instead of answering, I reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She leaned into the touch, and that small movement undid me completely.

"You."

The words came out easier than I thought. Pearl leveled a small smile, one that tore open my heart.

"You too, then," she admitted, the barefaced need apparent in her words. I reached forward, gently caressing my fingers against her shoulder.

"Last night when…we were talking. It felt nice. Like I was able to show a part of myself to you. It's rare for me to do so when…"

"When the demons are all around you."

I looked up, all thoughts dissipating. "Yes. God, I know we've only just met, but even so, whenever I'm around you, I just…."

"You're thinking too hard again," Pearl said, gently resting her forehead against mine. I lingered, already lost in the touch.

I knew this. Thinking was all I did. It kept my feelings at bay. I pulled back, resting my hand against her cheek all the way down towards her shoulder. The soft skin energized my fingers with every caress.

"That's what happens when you smile at me like that," I forced out, the ache growing. I needed her. I craved her. She had this side of her, this innocence that forced itself past every wall I put out.

Pearl closed the distance. Our breaths commingled as I felt her pulse thudding against my fingertips.

"Then stop thinking."

Her words goaded me as if challenging all of the barriers I'd put up. My lips brushed against hers, igniting the raw, pure need. She kissed me back expectantly as I felt her heart pound at the same speed as mine.

Lightheartedness, an airy sensation. My fingers gently pressed her back towards the bed. I joined her atop the mattress, my kiss remaining soft and tender. I wished to record this moment and hold onto it.

A soft mewl escaped her, allowing me access. Tender kisses were exchanged, and as I poked my tongue inside, she eagerly accepted the touch. Her lips broke me, and my hands tensed against her shoulders. Restraint. I attempted to show such a thing, but as I kissed her, my resolve slipped.

Pearl pulled back. "This is one way to wake up."

"It is. Might make me a morning person."

Pearl giggled. The sound, while innocent, filled me with raw desire. I pressed her to the sheets, hands splayed at her sides. Her blonde curls laid across each side, making her look even brighter. A light that was present in the darkness.

But could she hold my darkness? I didn't know, didn't know if it was even right to want her to. I sighed, resting my hands againstthose tender cheeks. "You're beautiful, Pearl. I…I haven't felt this real in years."

"Then let me help you become real," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. I leaned against her neck and gently peppered it with kisses.

"You might just open me up and help me accept these parts of me," I said.

Our eyes locked. Pearl reached for my face. Fingers traced the plane of my cheeks all the way down to my jawline. "I want to. Luca, you've been so sweet and generous. Managing to make me smile. With how things have been, I haven't had many of those moments."

These words cut deep. A mixture of anger and desperation rushed through me. "I like doing that. Seeing you smile, it…it gives me life."

Pearl grinned. "And I like hearing that. You're different from the rest—lighthearted. You seem to know how to brighten up my day."

"That's because I have to. I've fought so much, and it's been so hard?—"

"Then stop worrying. For now, let's just focus on each other."

The words prompted another deep kiss from me. She moaned against my lips. My hands made quick work of the leather jacket, tossing it to the ground. Lips followed, gently licking and nibbling on the soft flesh. As my lips caressed her, I felt her heartbeat.

"That tickles," Pearl giggled. I looked up, mesmerized by the sound.

"God, the way you laugh…"

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