Seeing the desire she felt reflected in his eyes, Torie felt an entirely different sort of shiver run through her. She realized that the ache in her chest was a want she had never dared to think too much about, but now that the moment was here, it grew to a point she couldn't ignore. Truthfully she didn't want to, despite knowing better, despite knowing it fixed nothing, she wanted him and for him to want her just as much.

Neither of them said anything, every opportunity shorter than the last as he moved in again, her head falling to the side to allow him more access. Each time she felt his lips touch skin, she felt more and more assured that this was what they needed. Surely he had to feel the hammering of her pulse? The heat on her skin? Had to know she wouldn't stop him?

She echoed his sigh, lashes fluttering open as his hands stilled, and she worried that would be it. Slowly she brought her hands to frame his face, breathing slower, but eyes still lit with possibility. Her throat was dry and she could hardly manage more than a whisper, but she locked her eyes on his so that he knew she meant it, "Please don't stop," Torie knew she couldn't handle the rejection again; it would break her beyond repair.