Page 64 of Bleeding Hearts

The painting really isn’t that good. Some of the lines are sloppy, and the colors aren’t perfect, but she doesn’t seem to care, and honestly, knowing that it makes her happy?

How could I deny her anything?

I worried that what happened the other night would send her spiraling again and she would fall into old habits, but if anything, it seems to have reaffirmed her need to keep me safe. I’m not saying she isn’t struggling, but she’s trying hard to not slide back into her old vices.

Instead, it’s like she made me her only vice, which is something I don’t mind at all.

Pressing up on my toes, I scribble my name in the right corner, drawing a little heart so she knows it’s all hers, and then I put the pen away and turn to find her watching me with a happy smile on her lips. Her oversized, sleeveless tank rides up, exposing her perfect thighs, and desire rolls through me just like it always does when I’m with her, but more than that, so does happiness and comfort.

“Perfect,” she murmurs.

“Me or the painting?” I tease.

“Both of course.” She winks.

Lally leans back on her elbows as she watches me, and I can’t resist. How many times did I stop myself from reaching for her before? Swinging my leg over her lap, I straddle her and drapemy arms around her shoulders. Her arms wrap around me, and I settle into the crook of her neck like I was made to be there.

“Pet me,” I demand, knowing I’m being whiny, but I don’t care.

Her soft chuckle stirs my hair, but her hand glides up and down my back, teasing and tickling just like I want. We sit like this for a while, both of us content to be stuck together. I know what happened scared her, and the truth is, it scared me too.

Thinking I was going to die terrified the shit out of me, so I soak in her comfort and warmth. I’m alive, and I’m okay.

As if she knows my thoughts, she tightens her hold on me. “You’re okay, baby. I promise.”

“I was so scared,” I admit against her skin.

“I know. I was too.” Her voice is choked, and when I lift my head, I notice her eyes are glassy. “Don’t do that again, okay? Don’t ever put yourself in harm’s way, not even for me.”

Nodding, I purse my lips to stop my own tears. “I’m sorry.”

“Shh.” Cupping my cheeks, she pulls me back into her embrace. “You’re fine—we’re fine. I won’t let anything happen to you again. I promise, baby. You believe me, right?”

I nod, moving closer so no room exists between us. She’s quiet for a moment before she suddenly pats my ass. “How about we forget all about school and the game tomorrow and we have a fun day? Just us two? Our first official date, if you will?”

I sit upright, happiness coursing through my veins. “Really?” I grip her shoulders in excitement. “You mean it?”

“I take that to mean you want to go?”

I tackle her, and her laughter fills the air as I pepper kisses on her face. “I want to go. I really want to go.”

Rolling us, she pins my hands above my head and grins down at me. “Then tomorrow, we’ll go on a date.”

“Can we wear matching couple outfits?” I blurt out.

“Not a chance,” she retorts.

“Please?” I whine, giving her my best pout.

“No, not even if you beg me with that pretty mouth.”

“Really?” I arch up, rubbing against her. “I think you want my mouth to beg.”

“Behave, you should be resting,” she orders.

“Then how about I rest and you do all the work?” I suggest, licking my lips as I try to get closer. “Lals,” I purr, “I need you.”

That’s all it takes.