Page 14

After hugging for a while, Nick and I headed back to the couch so we could cuddle. We both held each other in silence. Nick's body heat flowed into mine and calmed my racing heart. My heart broke for him, and I worried for his safety.

"Nick..." I whispered, hoping I wouldn't startle him. "Do-do you think they are going to come for you now?" Nick getting back together with me was the exact thing she told him not to do, and there was always the chance she would follow through on her threat.

"I don't care anymore. Even if she came after me, there is nothing else she can take from me. She already took my dignity." His voice cracked, his hurt on display. "The only thing I fear is you getting hurt, but she only seemed to be after me."

"I care. I don't want you to get hurt. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you did." I said, nuzzling my head into his chest.

Nick suddenly tensed, and grabbed my face so I could look into his eyes.

He looked erratic and scared. His face betrayed so much emotion.

This was the first time he ever talked about what happened to him.

I understand that he must me going through a flood of emotions after he let down the dam he's had closed for so long.

"Don't leave me Elaine. If you do, those monsters will be getting exactly what they want." Nick then suddenly pulled me in for a kiss.

The moment our lips met, a burst of warmth spread through me.

His kiss was urgent and needy, a silent plea for reassurance.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, trying to convey through our tangled breaths and entwined bodies that I was here to stay.

As we slowly broke apart, Nick rested his forehead against mine, his warm breath tickling my skin.

"I couldn't bear it." He whispered.

"I won't leave you, Nick," I whispered, my voice shaking with emotion. "I promise."

We sat there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms. The silence wasn't uncomfortable; it was soothing. A shared moment of peace amidst the storm wreaking havoc in our lives.

As time ticked by, I could see the tension slowly ebbing away from Nick's face. His bright blue eyes met mine, and despite everything we had been through, they were filled with an indescribable warmth.

"Elaine," he began softly, tracing patterns on my hand with his thumb.

"Yes?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The sound of my name on his lips felt like a soft caress, a balm to the storm raging in my soul.

"I just want you to know," he paused, swallowing hard. "I...I love you." His words were simple yet sincere. They echoed in the quiet room, quickly filling every corner with his unwavering declaration.

My breath hitched in response and I blinked up at him, stunned.

It wasn't the first time Nick had told me he loved me, but after everything we had been through, this felt different.

This wasn't a confession from an infatuated teenager but from a man who had seen darkness and still chose light.

From a man who had witnessed my vulnerability and still chose love.

"I...I love you too, Nick," I stammered out, my heart pounding in my chest. Our gaze held for what seemed like an eternity.

We got lost in each other that night, forgetting about the cruel world outside. We didn't say much because our bodies said everything we needed to say - our lingering touches, stolen kisses and the warmth of our bodies pressed together.

But deep down a fear gnawed at me. Who were those people, and why were they threatening Nick?