Chapter 19: Opening The Pandora’s Box

[Cole]

“It didn’t feel right,” Dove whispered, her temple against Cole’s thick biceps. She wove her arm around his and drew herself closer to him and continued, “I was nobody to Her and She saved me. So She couldn’t have been as cruel as you--.”

She straightened and checked Cole’s expression.

Cole gazed into her dark round eyes. He reached out to caress the swollen face and swallowed hard. What happened to her, he thought.

Another hand went out to comfort her other eye. Then, they slid down to cup her tear-stained cheeks. His thumbs started soothing the soft skin underneath.

Slowly, he pulled her forward and took her lips.

She shuddered slightly under his sudden touch. He started nibbling on the familiar plumpness and she relaxed. He pressed closer to take in all of her giving and then tore his lips away with a loud smack. Seeing her dreamy expression, eyes half-closed, the familiar wave of pride washed over him.