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“Then say it again If it’s possible for my love to fill your emptiness, perhaps yours can fill mine”

Tenderly, Slayde framed her face between his palms “I love you,” he stated simply “Your pain is mine”

Tears dao”

“I won’t”

“I need you”

A harsh treh him “I need you, too”

Slowly, their gazes met…and locked Silent seconds ticked by as the full i, where they now hovered, sank in

Without a trace of doubt, Courtney reached up, untying Slayde’s cravat and shoving it away She leaned forward, kissed the hollow at the base of his throat “Make love to me,” she breathed

“No” The word vibrated against her lips, more surrender than refusal Fervently, he battled the inevitable, tugging her away, even as his fingers tangled in her hair, tilted her face toward his “Courtney…no,” he refuted hoarsely, his body tre, his stare fixed on her mouth

“Yes” Courtney’s arms entwined about his neck “Oh—yes”

Slayde’s le lost beneath the powerful feelings that surged between them, commanded him to take as already his

Her lips parted, welco as already hers

And the world exploded

The kiss was frantic, urgent, pain and e far ainst the pillows, devouring her er

“I’ve dreaht, burned for you every day,” he muttered “God, I want you more than I want to breathe”