Derek carried her as if she weighed nothing, his arms strong and sure beneath her thighs.
His mouth never left hers as he crossed the room, the kiss deep and unhurried now, filled with a quiet surrender that neither had allowed themselves before.
He lowered her onto the bed with surprising gentleness, following her down until his body covered hers. The mattress dipped under their combined weight. For a moment he simply looked at her, amber eyes soft, tracing every line of her face as if committing it to memory.
"Kira," he whispered, voice rough with emotion. "My Kira."
She reached up, threading her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer.
"Come here," she whispered.
He came.
Their lips met again, slower this time, a kiss that spoke of days of longing finally given permission to breathe.
