“He knows and understands, but can’t change what is,” I said as I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tightly.
“I don’t wanna lose you,” she mumbled against my chest, and I wanted to chuckle. She couldn’t lose me—I was immortal. Before I could comment, she spoke the words I never wanted to hear come out of her mouth.
“I’d lose you if I died. I don’t wanna die.”
I spent the rest of the night telling her it wouldn’t happen, that she would be protected, and Phillip wouldn’t allow her to die, but I knew deep down that he would sacrifice everything. But if everyone was gone, what happy future would there be for us? I didn’t know.
She needed a distraction, to not feel for even a few moments, so I gave her that—my body, my words—and she found peace for the night, resting in the safety of my arms in an orgasm coma, as she called it, having learned the phrase from one of her many romance books.
I was glad she still found time to curl up in her chair with a blanket, tea, and a book. Some people believe that you have to be happy all the time, but it wasn’t true. I’d lived long enough to know that it was those little moment in the chaos of life that made us happier people. One minute of doing what you enjoyed is all you need to keep you going, sometimes.
Sighing, I closed my eyes and tried to feel the happy that was flowing from Rose’s skin to mine. I felt heavy with everything that had been happening. But at least I had her with me. I had the Hero Society. I was blessed to have people care about me.
Tomorrow was a new day, and we needed to start preparing for what was coming.
Tonight, I would sleep well, with the woman I loved against my chest.
