Later that night, Lucas came into the bedroom and found Rose still awake. The room was dim, only the bedside lamp glowing softly. She lay on her side, staring at nothing, her mind clearly far away.
Lucas frowned and walked to the bed.
“Are you alright?” he asked and lay down beside her, brushing her hair away from her face.
Rose didn’t answer with words. She moved closer and hugged him, holding onto him tightly, as if she needed the warmth of his body to feel safe.
“Lucas…” she whispered.
“Hmm?” he responded, eyes half closed, already tired from the long day.
Rose lifted her head slowly, her eyes soft and nervous. “Can you… make love to me? Please?”
Lucas bolted upright immediately. He looked at her with shock first, then concern.
“Rose… are you sure about this?” he asked gently. “
