Page 118 of Ruptured
“No, my sweet. I want to lay you out like the thickest bathroom rug and rub myself all over you, then squeeze you in a hug.”
Blushing, she bit down on her lips; Kaia fought the urge to lean over and kiss her.
“My God, Reb! If I were a dog, I’d be in heat.”
“Uhhh, only female dogs go into heat…”
Kaia raised his hand to silence her. “If you lived with me, I wouldn’t need a light bulb because your skin shines as bright as a silvery fish. You’re my fondest wish.”
“Fish are slimy and gross.”
“Only if you touch them,” he countered. “Their scales shine and their skin reflect light. They’re beautiful, wonderful and bright.”
“These are in your notebook?”
“No, these are new lines, inspired by the vision you are.”
“You’re so brilliant.”
He puffed out his chest. “Your hair is a golden waterfall that I could swim in.”
Her smile lit up her face.
“Moon Goddess, if you ever leave me, rip out your heart to join with mine for surely it will lie in pieces. But stay with me like the seed in a peach.”
“If I ever leave you? Does that mean we’re dating?”
“Aren’t we?”
“I mean like exclusively.”
“Is that what you want?”
“Yes,” she answered without hesitation. “But you can’t take Momma’s job until after I’m better. They’ll never let me visit your room, so we won’t be able to watch SpongeBob and kiss.”
“She was serious?” Kaia had never wanted something more in his life.
“I think so.”
“If I take too long to accept the position, Mrs. Caldwell may find someone else.”
“I hope she does,” Rebel said. “I don’t want you to miss this opportunity, but I know our new relationship will be altered.”
“We’ll figure it out.”
“I know my father and my brothers. They will get you involved in the club and throw all these girls in your path. Momma means well. They don’t.”
Guilt tasted bitter in Kaia’s gut. “They want to protect you.”
“They want me to die a virgin. And, considering I almost did, they should back off and let me experience life.”
Unable to stop himself, Kaia stood, set his notepad on the chair, walked to Rebel and bent, brushing his lips over hers. He ignored the oxygen tube running out of her nose, her IVs, and all her bandages. “Your breath smells like the sweetest of pears and baby formula.”
“Oh. Um, o-okay.”
“If I were a drug addict, one sniff of you would give me a high.”
“You’re silly,” she said, laughing.
