Page 70 of Glitter Rose
“I’m not going anywhere.” He rocks me slightly. “I’ve got you.”
His heartbeat thunders against my chest, his breath warm against my hair as he murmurs soothing nonsense.
I missed him. I missed him so much.
“Let me look at you,” he says, trying to create space between us.
“No.”
“Paris.” His lips brush my temple. “I need to see you.”
“You’ll disappear.”
“I won’t. Promise.” His hand cups my face, forcing me to look up. “See? Still here.”
His thumb strokes my cheek, wiping away tears I didn’t know I was crying. His eyes scan my face, taking inventory of changes I can only guess at—the hollows beneath my cheekbones, chapped lips, and chaotic hair.
I avert my eyes.
“Don’t.” Knox’s voice carries a gentle command as his fingers tilt my chin up. “Please.”
I meet his gaze, something in me withering under his inspection. What does he see? I’m not the Paris he met.
His pupils contract as his gaze travels down to my neck, where Mike’s hand left marks. “Did he do this?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me.”
“I’m alive.”
Something flashes in his eyes. “Did he?—”
“No.” Not yet. Not all the way. But close. “Not like you’re thinking.”
A vein throbs in his jaw. “Mike’s not coming back. I’m your security detail now.”
“What? How?—”
“Min-ji. She arranged it.”
“She hates me.”
“No. She’s been protecting you.” His thumb brushes the bruise. “I’m getting you out of here.”
“When?”
“Soon. I need you to trust me.”
“Trust? How—You left me. I woke up and you were gone.”
“Supply run. I’m sorry.” His fingers curl into fists on his thighs. “When I gotback?—”
I crush my lips to his. I don’t want explanations. I want his taste, his heat, proof that he’s flesh and blood and mine. He responds instantly, mouth opening to mine, tongue seeking entrance that I eagerly grant. The kiss is messy, four months of absence, and half-sobbed breaths.
“I thought you left me,” I gasp against his lips. “Thought I imagined you.”
“Never.” He spins us, my spine hitting the wood. “I’d burn down the world to find you.”
