"No fucking brother in your next life," Xylon repeated, his words heavy with determination.
He uttered the phrase three times before pressing his lips to her cheek once more, savoring the warmth of her wet skin.
Eva's stomach fluttered with electricity at the unexpected tenderness of his actions.
She couldn't comprehend why he was treating her this way after his earlier cruelty.
With his cheek against hers, they gazed in the same direction, his eyes closed now as he cradled her head delicately in his hands.
Using his elbows to support his weight, he hovered over her.
Finally finding her voice, Eva whispered, "X-Xylon... why?"
She wanted to understand his sudden shift in behavior, to unravel the complexity of his actions.
But Xylon's response was curt, cutting off her inquiry. "Eva... you were sick... just... sleep... don't bring up any subjects that..."
His voice trailed off, his head tilting to reach her neck.