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The rain roars as it wreaks havoc outside the cave, wind hissing as it forces its way through the trees. It’s harsh and cold and wet, and it should be unpleasant, the way it has taken them by surprise, but Linda can’t find any displeasure in her heart for it.
She’s lying warm, spent, satisfied. Bradley is with her. They had come here together. They had...
It’s dark here, within the protective hold of the cave. Bradley is lying beside her, keeping close. He had long since caught his breath, and so had she. She wants to see his face, but each passing moment has her losing her nerve – losing the momentary confidence she had gained from their intimacy. He had... well, they had been... intimate. They’d had sex.
And he had made the first move, so she’d been emboldened in the moment. Even though she’d always been trying not to let it affect her, a part of her had always, still, wanted him.
He had disappointed her before, yes. He had been so cruel. And maybe he would disappoint her again, the possibility was still very real, but he could be so sweet. He could be so wonderful, and loving, and kind. She could see that. It was easy to want to believe in him again.
He wrapped his arms around her, keeping her close. Body heat. She had wanted this so badly, it was hard to imagine how she could return to her usual restraint after the night was over. Being in his hold made her heart race like crazy, but quieted her thoughts to a mere whisper.
She had been infatuated before, but now? She could love him. She wanted to love him.
She melted into his arms, cuddling up to him. He had this wonderful, soothing smell – the scent of the rain, still damp on his skin, mixed with sweat, and of something earthy. He wore cologne when they met at the office, she thinks, but that was long gone. This was him, as he truly was. The intimacy of it makes her heart flutter as well.
“You alright?” He mutters, small words echoing around them.
She traces her fingers on his skin. He has a broad back. Touching it like this is a rare privilege. “Yes.” Honestly, she could die happy right now. She won’t, but... she cannot ever remember feeling so at peace.
He lets out a long exhale, tightening his embrace. If she moves any closer, she’d be able to press her ear to his chest and hear his heart. Ba-dump, ba-dump. Maybe then she will let herself believe this is truly real.
“I don’t think it’ll let up, tonight.”
“I think so too.” The rain is too heavy, the wind too persistent. It intends to hold them here a while longer, to give Linda her happy moment for as long as she needs. The rain is so kind. The storm is so kind. This island loves her, and wants her happiness. This must be a gift.
“You think you’ll be comfortable, sleeping here?”
She could almost laugh – of course she would be, with him holding her like this – but she bites her lip. She doesn’t want to ruin the moment. “Yes. Just... stay here. Please?”
He stirs, placing a hand in her hair. It’s still wet, clinging together in clumpy strands. His touch is careful, as though she is the most fragile thing in the world.
Her heart could burst. She feels so loved. She cannot trust him fully, not just yet, but this could be their life. Their life if they make peace with it all, and leave their pasts behind. This could be their life, if he really loves her. She already loves him so much.
“I’ll be here.” He answers, and she presses her ear to his chest, if only to reassure her the moment is real.
Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump. His heart is racing too, and Linda wants to believe him so badly.