Just two people completely joined.
Completely connected.
Completely in love.
Afterward, we lie tangled together in sheets that smell like sex and us.
I'm crying.
I don't know when I started.
Don't know if it's from the intensity or the emotion or the sheer overwhelming reality of what just happened.
"Hey," he says softly, wiping my tears. "Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"
"No. I'm perfect. That was—" I can't find words. "I didn't know it could be like that."
"Like what?"
"Beautiful."
"That's what it's supposed to be. When it's with the right person."
"Have you—" I stop. Not sure I want to know.
"Have I what?"
"Have you felt that with other people? Or was this?—"
"This was different. I've had sex before, Eden. But I've never made love until you."
The words make fresh tears spill over.
"I love you so much," I whisper.
"I love you too. More than I thought I could love anyone. More than power or money or the Consortium's approval. You're everything to me. I hope you know that."
We stay like that for a long time.
Just holding each other, being together.
Eventually, he speaks again. "Tomorrow is the showcase."
Reality crashes back.
"I know."
"Last chance to back out. We could just not go. We could disappear tonight. Pack up and leave before they have a chance to retaliate."
"No."
"No?"
"No. We face them. We tell them you're choosing me. We burn it down on our terms."
"You're sure?"
"I'm sure. Are you?"
