SEVENTY-TWO

“Why are you still awake?” His beard tickled my skin as he buried his face in my neck.

“How can you tell?” I asked, adjusting myself and wrapping my arms around him.

“Your heartbeat.” He kissed my skin and I shivered. “Want me to tire you out?” I snorted at his suggestion. I was tired, I just could not sleep because the thoughts flying around in my head were too much. My brain refused to shut down no matter how I tried.

“What’s the problem?” He asked, pushing up on one elbow as he stared down at me. I looked up at him, drinking in his features. Even in the dark room only illuminated by the moon, his finely chiselled features were breathtaking.

“Stop giving me that look except you want me tearing off your clothes.” I looked away and heard him sigh. He moved beside me, settling himself back into the bed then light flooded the room as he turned on the bedside lamp, then he pulled me against his chest, stroking my hair.

“What’s wrong, bella?” He murmured, his voice soft and intimate.

“Wha