I don’t rush out something for the sake of filling the silence. Ineedto get this right.
Reed does it for me, summing it up perfectly. “I get it, cookie. Not having this connection is like losing a part of your soul. Again.”
“Yes,” I answer, despite him not needing my confirmation.
It’s clear he knows my feelings better than I do.
“Kiss me, Reed,” I plead, cradling the back of his head and urging his mouth to mine.
He complies without hesitation, laying a cherishing claim on my lips. He skims his hand up my body, resting under my chin to angle my head. As we kiss, his aura surrounds me, keeping me safe in a cocoon where only the two of us exist.
The tender swipes of our tongues and delicate smacks of our lips help drive away the anguish of the years we wasted being apart.
Some of the things we’ve shared tonight run through my mind. Oddly, my thoughts don’t pull me out of this kiss. Nor out of this passionate moment.
It settles me. Grounding me and making our connection so vibrant that it brightens the dark room.
Reed could have just said,I love youagain. He didn’t. And I don’t need him too. What hedidsay is worth a millionI love yous. In moments like these, much like five years ago when we opened up to each other, I feel Reed in my heart.
I know he belongs there. And despite my nagging insecurities, I can see how I belong in his too.
Our broken parts fit together. It’s tragic and beautiful.
My lips are slick and throbbing as our mouths part. Our racing breaths drown out the silence.
While gazing into his eyes, something hits me. It gives me a jolt, then immediately eases the sting. He saidagain. That being apart is like losing a part of your soulagain.
And I don’t think he meant five years ago when Kenzie callously drove a wedge between us.
Does that mean he fuc—freaking knows?
I can’t resist asking, even if I’m unsure I’m prepared for the answer. “You know, don’t you? About my...” I long to force out my sister’s name, but it gets stuck in my throat.
“You’re gonna need to be more specific. I know quite a bit about you.”
Same, Reed.
“About why we fit together in this way.” My sinuses sting as I fight the tears and the rest of my words. “Because of what I lost when I was a child. What webothlost as children.”
His face seems to draw in on itself, pain stripping him raw. “Yes, I do. I know about your twin. I found out tonight.”
I give up the battle against my tears, letting them fall without resistance.“I know about yours too.” When the confession sneaks free, a blade of guilt slips under my throat, hovering there while I wait for the inevitable question he’ll ask.
He doesn’t make me wait long. “How did you find out?”
“Umm.”
Before I untie my tongue, he retreats from his question. “Wait. Forget it. I don’t care. You can keep that secret. It doesn’t matter.” After wiping my tears away, he leisurely twists a few strands of hair near my temple, seeming to get lost in the motion. “I’m glad you know.”
“Me too.”
There are dozens of questions I could ask him about his brother. And a truckload of things I could tell him about Zara. But I think we’ve said all we need to tonight.
As if he also realizes the time for heavy talk is over, he settles on top of me again. This time, he bringsbothknees between my spreading thighs. His strong body is a striking contrast to my softness. As wrong as it should be, it feels so right.
For a long time, we lie there. Flesh on flesh. Eyes locked. Heartbeats syncing.
“I wish we could make love now,” he whispers before giving me a soft peck.
