Savior

His head pressed between my breasts and he moaned, releasing inside me just as I was floating back to earth.

“Love you. Love you so much,” he murmured between kisses.

We rolled to our sides and he slipped out of me, taking a moment to get rid of the condom before sliding right behind me again, his arm pulling me close.

“You wore me out,” he mumbled. “Sleep with me until I’m ready to go again.”

“Anything for you.”

“Anything?”

“You know I’d give you anything.”

“Stay with me.”

“What?”

“Stay with me. Don’t move out.”

“Erik, I—”

“Don’t answer yet. Just think about it. It’s what I want from you.”

I swallowed, not sure how to decipher the mix of feelings going through me. I wanted to shout yes without even doubting it, but the fear of it all falling apart held me back.

“Stop thinking. Just sleep in my arms and we’ll talk later.”

“Okay.”

“I love you, Alexandra.”

“I love you, too.”

30

Alexandra

I woke up deliciously sore and twisted side to side just to feel the ache of the muscles between my legs.

The events of last night came rushing back and I almost burrowed under the covers in shame that my sister had set such a dangerous trap, but then I remembered Erik’s words. He loved me. Erik Brandt loved me.

Erik Brandt wanted me to stay.

I hadn’t thought I’d be able to fall asleep last night with the way my mind swirled with the possibilities and outcomes, but wrapped in his arms, fighting sleep was a losing battle.

Stretching my arm across the bed, my hand encountered cold sheets. I finally opened my eyes and looked around the dark room. The curtains were still closed, but no light tried to peek through. When I looked at the alarm clock, I was surprised to find it was already after six. No wonder the bed was empty.

I sat up but didn’t rush to turn on the lights just yet. My mind had one thought after another chasing the next and most of them weren’t making me eager to rush downstairs to face Erik.

If he was even still here.

Life tended to teach me not to trust in a good thing because it will all be pulled out from under you eventually.

What if he changed his mind about me staying and now he was gone again instead of telling me he was wrong? What if he changed his mind later? What if he was high from the pain meds they put him on and he doesn’t remember any of it? Sure, he hadn’t seemed the slightest bit woozy, but still. What if he did want me to stay, but changed his mind next week, or next month? What would happen to me? Would it be a big fight and he’d kick me out that day?

I dropped my head to my knees and groaned.

I was making a mountain out of a molehill and it wasn’t me. I had been dealt a shit-hand, but I faced every day the best I could and now here I was curled up, hiding on a man’s bed who told me he loved me, thinking of all the ways it could fall apart.

Finding my resolve, I shook off the doubts and reached over to flick on the lamp and froze.

Rose petals.

There were rose petals all over the sheets, a mixture of reds, pinks, yellows, and oranges. It looked like a sunset had exploded. Warmth radiated through my body, pushing out any negative questions I’d formed. I leaned over and fisted a handful of petals, bringing them to my nose and breathing in the spicy and fruity aroma.

I eased out of bed, happiness making me feel light as a feather as I tip-toed around the petals making a path to the bathroom. Flicking on the light, I looked around at the small notes taped to all the surfaces. I walked to the bathtub first and tugged off the taped piece of paper.

If you stayed, we could fill this with hot water and bubbles and bathe together. I’d hold you in my arms. We’d probably make a mess with all the water we’d splash everywhere when I made love to you. But it would be worth it.

On the shower was another note.

The shower in that apartment wouldn’t even be able to hold both of us. How am I supposed to wash you when I stay with you?

I laughed when I turned to look at the mirror. He used my lipstick to write “Stay with me,” on the glass. Turning in a circle, I giggled at all the work he’d done. I wasn’t sure what my answer would be yet, but I couldn’t deny how each thing made me want to be fearless and run to him with a resounding yes.

My feet stopped when I opened the bedroom door to find another trail of rose petals—all various shades of pink—down the hall. I followed the path until I stood outside the media room with another note taped to the door. With trembling fingers and a wide smile, I opened the envelope, becoming desperate for more of his words.