Page 83 of Make Her Bleed
"I heard what you said in the video, Aria. You said you love me."
I force my gaze away from his, refusing to look at him. "Don't—"
"I love you, Aria. I love you so much. You're … everything. I know you're mad and hurt, but I'm begging you. Don't send me away. Don't shut me out, please." He's so scared and vulnerable as he stares at me, close to tears. I've never seen him so raw, so on edge.
He's always so strong, an unstoppable force, yet the fear in his eyes shows he's not strong right now. He's on his knees before me, beseeching for my forgiveness.
He's never been like this before.
I slip down to the floor in front of him on my knees, mimicking his stance, and I watch as the tears fall down his face.
This isn't acting. This is real, true exposed sensitivities.
I reach up and slowly wipe away his tears that flow like a stream down his face.
I've always thought he was a lot like Kai, strong, determined, unbreakable, but Kai would never be this open. He doesn't have the heart for it.
Rowe's heart is true though. He doesn't wear it on his shoulders for everyone, but he's showing it to me.
I lean into him and wrap my arms around him, feeling a deep breath of relief fall from his lips, before he hesitates to touch my back.
Burying my face in his chest, I engulf his scent like a security blanket. The stress ticks away like the seconds on the clock, steady and progressing.
"Stay," I whisper softly.
Is he hurting? Does he need to go home to his mom? So many questions swirl around in my brain, but I want to be selfish. I don't want to sleep alone tonight.
His fingers trail along my jaw before running into my hair. "I'm here whenever you need me, darling. I'll never leave you."
I nod.
We get up off the floor and get undressed for bed. I slip under the covers and wait for Rowe to join me.
For a moment, I wonder if Kai is going to bust in here and torture me for breaking his precious rules.
He never said I had to sleep alone in this bed. Now the touching and kissing involved, that is definitely against his rules.
Rowe climbs into bed and I crawl over to him, falling into his warm arms.
"Am I hurting you?" I ask softly.
His fingers gingerly run along my curves in a mindless pattern in the dark, silent atmosphere. "Doesn't matter," he mutters before kissing the top of my head.
"Yes, it does. I don't want to put pressure on your injuries."
There's a minute of silence and I wonder what he's thinking, if he's just relaxing.
Then, he speaks. "I'm okay as long as you're here."
He's so sweet. My heart flutters as I run my fingers up his chest, gentle, slow, and intentional in my movements. I find his neck and make my way up to his hair.
"Come here. Kiss me," I beg, feeling myself becoming emotional.
The bed shifts and the sheets move, tightening and loosening beneath me, as Rowe turns and touches my face.
"You're so beautiful."
The light from under the bathroom door illuminates his face and I catch the twinkle of tears on his face as he leans over me.
