Chapter Forty

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Alix couldn't fall asleep that night.

After the litle ordeal yesterday, it hadn't felt right for her to leave him alone. It hadn't been a big deal, either. If she wasn't at his house, then he was at hers, and vice versa. He'd even gotten a toothbrush for her, right after they'd come back from Thanksgiving with his family.

It was weird how something that cost only two bucks made her heart warm.

Rolling onto her side for what felt like the millionth time, Alix looked at Taivon. She loved looking at him, loved knowing that he could be so gentle with a body that was not at all meant to be so.

His face was cast in shadows from the light, long eyelashes resting on his cheeks as he slept peacefully. She could remember a time when he hadn't slept so well, but that was long gone, replaced by the warm hold he always had on her.

The quilt was pushed down, revealing his chest and part of his stomach. Alix watched it move up and down with his even breaths, wanting to reach out but stopping herself. He needed the rest. She didn't want him to hurt anymore.

Just over his shoulder was that damned box that had whatever it was that made him cry inside of it. It was a small rectangle, the dark wood polished and glowing in the moonlight. There was something in there, though, despite how beautiful the box was. She wanted to just get rid of it. Seeing that look on his face – seeing him break down – was something she never wanted to see again.

“Alix?” he mumbled, one bleary eye opening before closing again.

“Yeah?” she whispered.

“Love you.”

She felt tears prick her eyes as she looked down at him. He curled up into a ball next to her, his legs pressed against hers and his arm slung around her waist. His head lay on her chest, the thick hair tickling her neck. She could see that both of his eyes were closed. A small smile was on his face.

Running her hand through his hair, she held him even closer to her. She didn't ever want to let go of this special man before her. She'd never loved anybody, and now that she did – now that she had him – the thought of losing it all made tears come into her eyes.

“Love you, too,” she said, a little breathlessly.

She didn't know if he heard it. Because if he did, Taivon gave no indication. His eyes stayed closed, but there was a little smile on that handsome face. She looked back at the box one last time before closing her own eyes.

She would fix it, because she loved him.

That same morning, Alix woke up to adventurous, warm hands caressing her sides. She moved into the grasp, keeping her eyes closed as a soft mouth kissed hers in a not too soft way. A minty tongue slipped between her lips, and then, fingers probed at her entrance.

She arched up into the touch, loving the way he touched her, taking his time as he got her ready. Then, he was inside her. With rays of sunlight streaming in, they made slow love in the morning. She opened her eyes just in time to see him climax, feeling liquid heat spurting inside her.

“I'll b-b-be right back.” He kissed her then got out of bed.

Feeling boneless, Alix nodded her head, not moving. She watched that tall, built body walk out of his bedroom. He was so much more confident now; once again, she absolutely loved that about him.

Almost as if having a will of their own, her eyes strayed to that box on his dresser. It was illuminated by the son, the lustrous, deep-colored surface reflecting the light. Or maybe whatever was inside just made her think it was shining.

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