Page 22 of Burn Like An Angel

Eyes burning, the brewing tears return. I’ve never been much of a crier, but the barbed wire I’ve wrapped myself in for all this time isn’t keeping me safe from feeling anymore.

Now the razor-sharp barbs have turned inward, and they’re cutting deep into my soul. Tearing. Shredding. Scarring. My hatred and determination enabled me to survive Harrowdean… until now.

At the sound of my wet sniffling, Raine sighs. He ditches the last paper towel then tugs me back into his arms. I let him cradle me to his chest and stroke my back.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, pecking my temple.

“Don’t be. This is all my fault.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Noah… Nox… The Z wing… I made this mess!”

“Stop, Rip.” He plants soothing kisses against my hair. “Have we all made mistakes? Sure. Plenty. I’m not blaming you for anything. I just don’t want you to get hurt again.”

My face hidden in his hospital gown, I let the relentless tears pour free. It’s a battering waterfall, wave after wave of uncontrollable hysteria, obliterating my defences.

Years of pent-up emotion seems to be taking advantage and escaping before I can close myself off again. Raine doesn’t say another word, holding me against his undulating chest as I fall apart.

It feels like we’ve been standing here for an eternity, wrapped up in each other’s arms, when there’s a hesitant tap on the bathroom door.

“Everything okay?” Langley’s voice carries through.

“Fine. We’re coming,” Raine replies croakily.

“Xander’s sorted clothes for everyone. I’ll leave yours out here.”

Pulling myself together, I breathe deeply as I raise my head from Raine’s chest. There’s a huge, wet patch on his hospital gown where I’ve sobbed my eyes out. I swipe a hand over it, biting my lip.

“I’m a bit damp.” He smiles lopsidedly.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay. So, ah… are we good?”

Raising my hands to grasp the aviators I lent him, I slide the frames off. Raine’s molten caramel eyes are unveiled, darting side to side in the unfocused way that betrays the fact that he can’t see at all.

“Was it ever in doubt?”

His cheeks flush adorably. “Maybe.”

“Why?”

“I guess it feels like I’ve got some competition now… Maybe you want to upgrade to someone with two working eyes.”

An amused smile tugs at my lips. “I’ll pass.”

“Sure?” He summons a tiny grin. “I wouldn’t be offended.”

“Positive. Your eyes work just fine for me.”

Leaning in, I move my mouth against his in a hesitant brush then retreat. Raine’s hand skates back up my shoulder, following his mental map until he cups the back of my head.

“You call that a kiss?” he teases.

I’m quickly pulled back to him, our lips crashing together. Raine’s mouth is hot on mine, his lips moving to a fast beat as his tongue pushes its way inside. He’s lit with a visceral passion that takes my breath away.

Burying a hand in his golden locks, I kiss him back just as furiously. Teeth clicking. Lips massaging. Our tongues touch and tangle in a feverish waltz. In each touch, I taste his fear, desperation, and need to fix what’s been broken.

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