Please..

Dede inhaled sharply, noticing how he struggled to breathe, his chest heaving up and down. "Meka," his voice hoarse, "This is wrong-"

"Ssh," she interrupted, placing a finger on his lips and gazing at him with pleading eyes. She embraced him and her voice trembled as she spoke, "Please."

"You will regret this," he warned, his voice still hoarse.

But she shook her head. "I won't, please."

They stayed in that moment, with her leaning against his chest, hearing the rhythm of his heartbeat, while he stood frozen, unsure of what to do.

"I hope I don't regret this," he said, a trace of laughter following his words.

Meka lifted her head to look at him, but before she could, he scooped her up and carried her into the room, gently placing her on the bed.

Dede used the back of his hand to stroke her forehead before leaning his head against hers, whispering in a tone that sent shivers down her spine, "Are you sure about this?"