GABRIELLE’S POV
“What?” I asked, unsure I heard him correctly.
He took my hand and placed it on his chest. I felt his heart beat faster, then steadied again, thumping softly under my palm.
His eyes softened. “Gabrielle… let’s just stay this way for a while.”
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry.
“Damon…” I whispered, unsure if I wanted to say more, and unsure if words would ruin this fragile thread between us.
“I need you, Gabrielle,” he said, his eyes still on mine. “Touch me.”
He took my other hand and placed it on my chest, nudging both hands to move. I caressed his chest, feeling his heart beat spike occasionally, and moved down to his abs.
I could feel the tension coiling through him, and the quiet desperation in his gaze urging me on.
“Gabrielle…” he murmured, his voice r
