Page 31 of The Stars

She laughed lightly, a soft, tired sound. “Yeah, and everyone believes we’re gods too.” She sighed. “If I’m gonna have any more nightmares, maybe you should stick around.”

Dante grinned. “You want me to stay here? Guard the door?”

“No,” she said softly, reaching out to grab his arm before he could move away. “Stay here. With me.”

He blinked, a little surprised, but nodded. Without a word, he lay back beside her, keeping a respectable distance but close enough that she could feel his presence.

As the quiet of the room settled over them, Amy’s breathing slowly steadied. Dante stared up at the ceiling, his mind racing with the weight of her words. Moros. The future. The possibility of losing everything—again.

He wouldn’t let it happen.

Not while he was still breathing.

And certainly not while Amy was by his side.

Chapter Eleven

When Amy woke, there was a heavy arm draped across her waist, pinning her to the soft mattress. For a moment, she forgot where, and most importantly, when she was.

She knew instantly that it was Dante beside her. The memory of him being there for her wasn’t foggy at all—the quick looks he’d given her all last night, the flirting humor they’d shared between the darker topics.

He somehow made her heart flutter like no other had. Ever could.

She must have moved because his hand shifted.

“Sorry,” he mumbled and started to pull away.

“No.” She held him still. “It’s okay.” She sighed slightly. “Just… let’s enjoy this for a moment.”

His deep chuckle had her smiling. “I guess you didn’t need any quick and witty pickup lines?”

She nudged his ribs with a finger. “Just because I like to be held doesn’t mean sex is on the table.”

He shifted slightly until he was looking down at her. God, he was gorgeous.

“But it’s not officially off the table?” His eyebrows rose slightly.

As an answer, she lifted and brushed her lips against his. It wasn’t their first kiss, but the awkward teenage peck they’d shared years before paled in comparison to the heat of his lips against hers now.

“My god,” she moaned when he shifted closer.

“You gotta let me try that again,” he said softly. “I need time to prepare for the kick of power your lips hold.” With a grin, he lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers again.

This time, she relaxed into his touch and allowed him to take full control. Basically, she melted into his gentle hold of her. How could she not? He felt and tasted so good.

When his hands finally brushed her bare skin, little waves of pleasure pulsed through her.

Then he stilled.

“I… don’t think we’re alone,” he whispered, and motioned towards the curtains.

She stilled and then heard movement in the next room. Embarrassment caused her cheeks to heat as Dante rolled off her.

She held her breath as they listened to the trays of food being replaced in the next room.

When the room was silent, Dante stood up and walked to pull the curtain aside.

“Fresh food,” he said, looking back at her. “I’ll let you dress.” He pulled something into the room from the other room. “I’m sure they left this for you,” he said, setting the yellow material down on a bench. “I’ll change into whatever they brought me and meet you…” He nodded to the room.