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“No, darling. I’m asking you to love me as hard as you can. To give me something beautiful. One last perfect moment after so many we’ve shared together. I know it comes at great cost to you...but I haveneverwanted anything as much.”
Twisting her hands together, she whispered, “Your heart h-has been strong tonight. Maybe…”
“I took an experimental drug, Rowan. A synthetic compound that lets me be the man I used to be.”
For a long moment, she considered what he wasn’t telling her. “It’s...temporary?” He stared at her without blinking. “Wh-what’s the side effect? Why can’t you keep taking it?”
“The tissues of my heart are irreparably damaged.” She nodded slowly. “That it still functions at all is a medical miracle, Rowan. The drug fools my heart into thinking it’s healthy so it pumps normally.”
Placing her fingers over her lips, she whispered, “Breaking down the damaged tissue evenfaster? Stealing you from me for a night ofdancing?”
Grabbing her shoulders, he shook her lightly. “No. Giving me one full night with a woman who deserves more of me than any person I’ve ever met. A night of kissing you, touching you, dancing with you...making love to you. All things I couldn’t experience without it.”
Tears flowed hot and heavy over her cheeks. “Please, Bennett. Stay with me.”
“I can’t, darling. If you knew how much I wish I could.” He dropped his mouth over hers and devoured her. Shaking, crying, she held him to her. As he lifted away to stare into her eyes, she saw that he cried, too. “I love you. From the first day I met you, I’ve loved you. Ineedyou, Rowan.”
“I’m afraid.”
“I know. I’m so fucking sorry I got you wrapped up in my fading life. I never should have taken these years from you but I couldn’t help myself.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I’m being selfish now, asking this of you.”
“I love you…”
“I feel your love with every breath, Rowan. I know it’s a lot to ask and I hope - in the aftermath - you’ll forgive my greed.” Kissing her forehead, he told her, “I can already sense your pending devastation. I need to know you have someone to pour all the love into that you’ve given me. With a baby, you won’t be alone and it will be easier to overcome your pain.”
The thought of Bennett’s child growing in her body filled her with deep longing. “Our child would never have the chance toknowyou, Bennett. I’d t-take that chance away...”
His green eyes sparkled with love. “You’ve taken thousands of pictures in our years together - kept a day by day documentation of our life.” He slipped his hands into her hair. “Just in case, the doctor extracted my sperm. You’re young and healthy so he’s positive about your chances of conception if our night together doesn’t result in pregnancy.”
“Then…”
“I want to make love to you more than I want to continue living, Rowan.” She whimpered in pain. “I know it’s hard for you to understand.” He shook his head. “Married all this time and you’re still a virgin.”
“I don’tcare.”
“Ido, Rowan.” His hands moved up her back and started taking down her hair. She didn’t move while he did. As it tumbled down her back, he raked his fingers through it. Vibrant green eyes settled on her face. “Such simple things I’ve never been able to do because just being close to you made my heart race.”
Unclasping the halter of her gown, he held her gaze as his fingers moved to the zipper at the base of her spine. Lowering it, the weight of the dress pulled it to the floor.
Naked except for her panties, stockings, and heels, she blushed brightly as he stepped back to take her in. He took his time moving his gaze down the length of her and back again. The look in his eyes made her nipples pebble tightly.
“You are...my god, Rowan.” When he extended his hand, she placed hers in it. “You’re trembling and I know much of it is from fear.” He tugged her and she stepped out of the puddle of her gown. “Let’s work to change that, darling.”
Another kiss as his hands roamed over her skin, slowly exploring her for the first time.
Inhaling deeply, she whispered, “I don’t want you to leave me. I want to keep you with me.”
“I know.” He pulled her close. “You’re going to deliver me from one adventure to the next. I’ve left official documents stating that I can no longer live without consummating our marriage and that I intended to insist until you agreed.”
His palms coasted over her shoulders and down to cup her breasts. She moaned as his thumbs skimmed over her nipples.
“As we drove away from your dorm after hitting you with the car, I told James you would be my third wife. I knew I could trust you and you’ve proved me right a thousand times since. You are intelligent, clever, and fascinating. You’ve lived for me, fought for me, and cherished me as no one else ever has.”
“I feel the same about you, Bennett.”
“I’m getting weaker by the day - struggling more and more. I’m tired of being trapped in a frail body I don’t recognize, Rowan. Before I die, I need to feel your naked body against mine, to know what it’s like to be inside you. I know it’s cruel of me but...I need one more sacrifice from you.”
“Bennett.” She tried to get her breathing under control. “Making love to you isn’t asacrifice. I’ve ached to kiss you, touch you, from the start.”
