Page 108 of The Temptation of Truth

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MABEL

My eyes flutteropen and the room, lit by the faint glow of the television, comes into focus slowly.

With it, comes Aurora.

Our gazes lock. We’re so close that I could count the freckles on her cheeks. I can see each eyelash. Each fleck of gold and green in her eyes. Waking up to her fills me with warmth and sets my blood racing.

I don’t know how long I’ve been asleep. I don’t know how long she’s been awake. But we’re here, facing each other with our heads on the soft white pillows, and I wish I could stop time so we never have to leave this bed.

“Can I ask you a question?”

Her whispered words fan softly over my lips, and I nod.

“Anything.”

“Why did you come to me?”

“What do you mean?”

“Earlier. Why did you come here? Why not go to Sav or Callie or Claire? Why me?”

I don’t miss the hint of nerves in her voice, and for a moment, I swear I can read her thoughts. Did I come to her because shewas the closest, because she was convenient, or was it something more?

With Aurora, I’m learning, it will always bemore.

I consider my answer, rolling her question over in my head. WhydidI come here? I don’t know if I can explain it. Coming to her wasn’t exactly a conscious decision. It was more visceral. Instinctual. Need-driven and immediate.

What do I even say to her? I came here because my body brought me to you? Because I needed you? Because I was desperate for the type of calm I’ve only ever found in you?

Each answer is more jarring than the last, and the more I think about it, the more it scares me. I’ve promised her honesty, but the truth is becoming dangerous. I should be careful. I should lie. It would be easier for both of us if I did. But as I stare into her eyes, wide and hopeful, I can’t bring myself to do it.

I sigh and shrug. “I just went where my body led me, I guess.”

The understanding I see pass over her face gives me chills, and she releases a small puff of laughter.

“Yeah. Yeah, I get that.”

My pulse speeds up as something like hope thrums through my veins. “You do?”

“Yeah. You know how I said I could find you in any crowd?”

I nod, but I can’t bring myself to speak.

“Well, it’s because I feel you.” Aurora brings her hand to her chest and taps twice. “I feel youhere.”

Her words wrap around my heart and squeeze until time slows to a crawl. I don’t understand the emotions that flood me. I can barely breathe through the wave of longing that threatens to pull me under. I have no thoughts except her. Except Aurora. And when she leans toward me, I close the distance without hesitation.

Her lips are just as soft as I remember, just as warm and plush, and they vibrate on a whimper that I feel all the way tomy toes. I wrap my hand around her neck and pull her closer. She fists my shirt at my waist and tugs. Our bodies meet in the middle of the bed, and still, it’s not close enough. Her tongue traces the seam of my lips, and I open for her on a groan.

Our kiss in Adelaide was hungry. Desperate and rushed. But this kiss...

This one is reverent.

It’s just as eager, but it’s slow. Savored. Like every swipe of her tongue is painting a memory. Every taste, every touch, is being stored away for future worship. I hold her closer. Kiss her deeper. I let myselffeelher,and I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’m ruined. This kiss, this woman, has ruined me for all the rest, and there’s no undoing it.

Somewhere in the back of my mind a voice is telling me to stop. It’s whispering warnings, but I can’t hear them over the pounding of my heart. Nothing matters outside of this moment. Outside of this kiss. Outside of her.