When I eventually looked up, he was staring at me, his chest rising fast. Then he lunged, knocking me onto my back with a grunt before kissing me hard, tasting of almonds and ginger and dark chocolate.
“I want you to be happy. And safe,” he said shakily, staring down at me. “And warm and whole and—and…”
I laughed, wrapping my arms round his neck, grateful to move past how vulnerable the moment had made me feel. “I’m all of those things right now.”
“I want you to stay that way. Forever.”
That made me pause, going still as I stared up at him.
“Why wouldn’t I?” I asked, already too aware that he might not be able to answer me. It hurt.
He stared down at me, face agonised for a moment before he buried it in my neck.
“I want you so much, Ash.” His voice shook, low and husky. “More than anything.”
My breath caught as I stared up at the ceiling, my fingers twining in his hair. He wouldn’t be able to say that if it wasn’t true. He couldn’t lie.
I gently disentangled myself from him and stood up, catching his fingers and pulling him up with me.
“Come with me,” I said, as I led him to the bedroom.