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Oh God…

“Jude,” I plead, then pull his mouth to mine and tell him with my actions what I can’t seem to tell him with words.

His breath catches against my mouth. Then his arms tighten around me, and he kisses me back.

And this kiss is different, slower, deeper somehow. There's no desperate rush, no frantic attempt to get closer. This kiss is tender, gentle, warm.

I feel wanted. I feel cherished. I feel safe.

And for one extraordinary moment, with the stars above us and the sea holding us both, I feel completely, wonderfully alive.

He lowers me slowly until my feet touch the rocks beneath us.

I don't let go.

Instead, I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my cheek against his chest.

His arms close around me.

I can hear his heartbeat.

Fast. Strong.

I smile against his skin and close my eyes. I feel safe, cherished… loved.

Loved?

My eyes fly open.

Oh God!

I go still in Jude's arms. His hand stops moving against my back.

Damiano.

My blood runs cold.

The thought crashes through me so violently I shove away from Jude.

He releases me immediately.

“Nora?”

I stare at him.

At the man I just kissed.

At the man I wanted to kiss again.

The man I wanted to…

“Oh God.”

I turn and start moving through the water as fast as I can.

“Nora.”

He follows me.