Rafe
I stroke my face with agitation. It wears me out when I see her so lost. I want to make it all easier on her, but I don’t know how. I do the only thing a man in love can do, that is, I listen to my body. I kneel down in front of her, push myself between her knees, take her face between my hands, and press my mouth onto hers. I kiss her softly yet firmly, as if to say, I am yours, and you are mine. I swear, I’m ready to give my life to protect you.
When Raven’s hot tears are running down my own cheeks, I withdraw a little. The sight of her tears pulls down the last building block I have protected my heart with, for eight long years.
“Don’t cry, Bella.”
“I must know, Rafe. Please.”
“All right,” I nod, and dry a wet spot on her face with my thumb.
“I thought it was all about the De
