405 Your feelings don't have a say

[ SAPPHIRE PALACE ]

Aries was lying on her tummy, using her arms as a head cushion. She opened her eyes ever so slowly. As soon as she did, a pair of silver eyes met hers. She blinked multiple times until Joaquin's face grew clearer. 

Joaquin was squatting beside the bed, his chin on the edge of the mattress, eyes on her face. He didn't break the silence even when he locked eyes with her, but instead kept staring at her.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice rasped and soft.

"Looking." His tone was low and calm, raising his chin, only to rest them over his arm. "Wondering."

"About?" she inquired in the same weak tone.

"You." 

"What about me?"

This time, Joaquin didn't answer. What about her? He also wondered what was there in her that he so wanted. 

"Do you love me?" another calm query slipped past her chapped lips, eyes holding his.