Page 49 of Journey To Sunrise

I launched myself into his arms.

“Hey, Shortstuff, he’s going to be fine.”

“No, that’s not it,” I said wetly.

Drake patted my back. “What’s going on, Chloe?”

“She’s just realizing how dangerous your job is,” Evie answered.

“Why do I love men who could be killed?” I couldn’t stop the flood of tears.

Drake didn’t answer, he just rocked me in his strong arms as I cried.

* * *

Zarek

I woke up and my head was killing me. The light burned bright into my brain. I groaned.

“Zarek?” It was Chloe’s soft and sweet voice.

“Light hurts,” I whispered.

“Keep your eyes closed for a minute longer. I’ll turn off all the lights.”

I felt her fingers brush my cheek, then she brushed a kiss against my lips. So soft, so good. She was gone too quick. I opened my eyes, and in the dim light I saw liquid brown eyes staring down at me.

“I love you, Zarek.”

The words swept through me, filling me with more joy than my body could possibly contain. It was as if I’d lived life in black and white, and now I could see in color. I laughed.

“I hope that’s a happy laugh,” she whispered close to my lips.

“The happiest laugh imaginable.” I winced. It was a happy laugh, but it hurt to laugh. She must have realized it, because she gently whispered a kiss against my forehead.

“Rest.”

“No,” I said tiredly. “I want to sav…savor,” My words were slurred. I yawned.

“You sleep. We’ll talk after you wake up again. The doctors said you wouldn’t wake up for another couple of hours anyway.”

“Wanna stay up,” I said belligerently. My eyes drifted shut.

* * *

Zarek

My eyes snapped open. The room was dark. Where was Chloe? She’d said she loved me. She hadn’t left, had she?

Then I felt her soft hand on top of mine. I turned my hand so I could grip hers. I turned my head carefully because it still hurt like a son of a bitch. I saw Chloe’s head resting on the bed. She was asleep.

She loved me. I stared at her beautiful face, relaxed in sleep. She was so beautiful. I wanted to remember this moment forever. This was the day that Chloe Rose made every one of my dreams come true. I’d take this feeling with me to the grave.

“Chloe?”

Her eyes drifted open.

“You’re awake.” She smiled.