“Is this some kind of Stockholm syndrome or some shit like that, kiddo?”
Sarah glares at me, clearly offended by what I just said.
She stands up and approaches me. “No, you idiot! When Bruno and his unit rescued me, he learned that a member of that organization was still looking for me…”
I feel like she’s about to tell me something painful for her, even more so than torture.
“They killed my mother, for fuck’s sake! They beheaded her on my own bed!” Sarah’s voice breaks as she continues, “Bruno protected me until that asshole was found and later killed by him. You were there!”
Now I really feel like an idiot.
“I… I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to…” Sarah buries her face in her hands, and I take a step forward so I can hold her. “I’m an idiot, I’m sorry.”
Tears are running down her face. “I know I can get to him. I have to help him.” She looks up at me with red, swollen yet perfect eyes. She is even more beautiful than before. “I know I can do it, Rage,” she whispers.
“Why? You don’t have to prove anything to anyone, kiddo.”
“I owe him that much,” she says firmly.
I walk her to the couch where we both sit down, our thighs are touching, so I can feel the fire from the contact. What I’m about to do may change everything or ruin everyone, but I’m doing it anyway, I need to know.
“Kiddo, I have to ask you something, because if I don’t do it now, I’ll probably regret it later.”
She’s giving me her full attention. My mouth goes dry, and I know I’m nervous, but I’m not showing jack shit to her. “You know that there is a 90% chance that you won’t find him, right?” She tries to interrupt me, but I prevent that by putting my hand over her mouth. “Don’t. You know that’s true. This is an extremely difficult task. It will take a lot of effort from everyone, and even then, it is very unlikely we will succeed. However, I’ll do everything I can to help you. But if I’m going to do that, first, I need you to answer this. Are you really ready to die?” Slowly I remove my hand from her mouth.
“Yes, I am.” Her words resonate with sheer will.
“What if I told you it doesn’t have to be this way. Two years went by. How do you know that he’s not just living there? Maybe he has a family. You could risk your life for someone who left you behind.”
“Rage I—”
Just fucking ask her!
“Let me finish, kiddo. You have your entire life ahead of you, a chance to start over, from scratch. Not many people have that opportunity in their lives. You do, and instead of taking advantage of that, you’re choosing to go on a suicide mission.” She’s giving me a dirty look, but continue, “I can give you an enjoyable life, Sarah. I could be the man you need, I… I suck at this, but I have to ask you anyway. Would you stay with me?” I can’t believe I’m doing this. “Stay here with me, try me, let me help you forget him. I’ll be anything and do anything for you if you stay. I am willing to be your fucking slave if you want me to.”
She remains silent, motionless. Confusion is written all over her face.
I can take advantage of that.
I move forward, toward her, and she doesn’t move away.
Fuck, she’s not moving away.
My heart beats with excitement.
I’m craving her taste so badly I crush my lips to hers like a mad man. She is soft and warm, just like I’ve imagined. I slowly sample her taste; I really want to go faster, but I don’t want to spook her. Revealing my true self, even in this situation, is dangerous. It’s just too soon for her. Even though she’s a strong woman, I can easily overwhelm her.
I invade her mouth with my tongue. Fuck, I could kiss her until our lips fall down. What is it with this woman? I’ve never felt this way with anyone. I stroke the side of her neck with my thumb, feeling her excited pulse. She wants this, she wantsme.
We’re still kissing, and before I even know it, I start to get a little rougher.
You will scare her away, you idiot!
I stop kissing her and back away, only to have her hand claw at my T-shirt to pull me back.
It’s on!
She kisses me hard while nipping my lips.
