When they reach the back of my neck, she laces them together, and all distance between us vanishes. She knows the consequences. She knows the wrath of my father and the limitations of the curse. But she’s here. Choosing to ignore it all. Wrapping herself in me like I’m the only thing that matters.
“I want more for you.”
“Shhh.” She rests her head on my chest as we sway back and forth. “Just be here with me.”
I do as she says, just as I always do.As I always will.
The two of us remain intertwined as we move in small circles underneath the falling sparks. We don’t say anything. We just dance, pretending that there is only this. No cruel father. No curse. Just a love that transcends it all.
It’s not until the music fades that we finally stop moving. I could’ve stayed in her embrace forever, but that would be a dream, and this is real life.
“Can I stay with you tonight?” I’m so surprised by her request that I fail to answer. “Just to sleep,” she quickly adds. “We don’t even have to touch. I just want to be next to you.”
I don’t say anything. I just grab ahold of her and take her with me like she’s a prize I’ve won. When we reappear in my bedroom, she’s slow to let go of me. Her hands trail down mychest and torso before eventually slipping away. I watch as she grabs onto the far bedpost, spinning around it.
“Is this my side?”
Her side.
She says it like she plans to stay longer than just one night. Like the two of us falling asleep next to each other is something she’s been dreaming of.
“You can have whichever side you want.”
“Such a gentleman you are,” she says as she rolls onto her side, resting her head in the palm of her hand.
“It’s just part of my irresistible charm.” I wink and notice her cheeks instantly flush despite her attempt to hide it. “Would you like something to change into?”
“Yes, please.”
I turn around and pull out one of the bigger shirts from my dresser. When I turn back, she’s standing with her back to me.
“Do you mind?” She sweeps her hair off to one side, and I have to push down all of the inappropriate thoughts that come rushing back.
I put the shirt down and begin working my fingers through the laces. With each pull, the dress becomes looser, and she becomes more accessible. The only thing keeping it in place once I reach the top is her hand. Part of me wishes she would just let it fall around her, but we both know if she did, all control would cease to exist.
“Thank you.”
While she slips into the bathroom to change, I switch into a pair of loose bottoms. Normally, I would sleep in less, but the layer of clothes feels like a sort of shield, and I need all the help I can get. Especially because when she opens the door and I see her wearing only my shirt, all sense of reason goes out the window.
Her eyes dart to the shadows that stir beneath me while mine lock on the place where the shirt ends, and her skin begins.
“Should I put on some—”
“No.” It comes out as a growl, and she turns her head, trying to hide her smirk. “Does my torment amuse you?”
“You know, you’re not the only one being tortured by this curse.”
“Oh, yeah?”
She stops in front of me, staring up through those impressively long lashes.
“It’s painful for me, too.” She runs her middle finger lightly up my arm. “To be so close to you and not be able to—”
She stops herself, dropping her hand with a sigh. The two of us seem to be at an impasse. Both unable to walk away from the other.
“I know,” I say, wrapping my arms around her.
I hate this for her. She should be able to love freely without limitation.
