Page 61 of Mesmerised

She headed over to me while Karl and Lilah went to get cleaned up. Good job I always had a plentiful supply of clothes.

“What’s up?”

I couldn’t find the words; they’d lodged in my throat. And so, I kissed her. Kissed her hard like it was the very last physical contact we’d ever have.

“Phew, that was hot and intense. Are you okay?” She put a hand up to cradle my cheek.

“You’re amazing. You know that, don’t you?”

“Right back at you. Why say it now, though?”

“The way you handled yourself, even when they threw up all the shit about the ones you lost… Damn.” I was lost for words. I watched her for a while as she waited for me to continue. “You were awesome out there.”

She lifted one shoulder. “Maybe they just went easy on me.” Her eyes went to the floor.

I tilted her chin, so she was forced to look at me. “Absolutely not. They would never do that. In fact.” I scratched at my jaw.

“What? Come on, Antoine. I’m starving, I need to change, and the suspense of what you want to say is killing me.”

A smile lifted my lips. “I told them to go all out on you. You know,” I sighed and shrugged. “I told them not to go easy on you.”

“Well, I’m pleased they didn’t. I’m new to this world, but I realise that we’re going to have to go up against Gustav at some point. I need to be ready, and the more practice I get, the better.”

I kissed her again, letting my mouth tell her just how much she meant to me. Then she pushed me away and laughed.

“Go see if you can help Jeanie and Mac in the kitchen while I change. Oh, and did I tell you how much I love you?”

I grinned. “Not for a couple of hours. And hey, I love you too.”

She blew me a kiss and headed up the stairs just as Karl was coming down.

“Hey, dude. You look better now.”

“Yeah, I feel better too. Your mate can certainly hold her own. I only hope mine will be as cool as Donna.” His eyes stared out over the ocean.

“She will be. And just imagine how much trouble she’ll be when she gets with Donna and Lilah!” I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh, hell yeah.”

* * *

Donna

Antoine’s pride and love for me were overwhelming. I guess it was the telepathic link which made it a more powerful emotion. It was something I was certain I’d get used to, eventually.

I opened the door to our bedroom to see Lilah sitting on the edge of the bed. She was clutching at her stomach, a pained expression on her face.

“Hey, are you okay?” I sat next to her on the bed.

“No, I don’t think so.” She grimaced. “This has been happening on and off for about a month.”

“Do you think it could be anything to do with your mate? You know, like sensing their emotions.”

She shook her head. “I… I don’t think so. At least I hope not because this pain is excruciating.”

“Can I help to heal you in any way?”

“I’m not sure. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try.”

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