Savior (24 page)

              “Marcus?” she asked softly.

              “Hm?”

              “Can we lie here tonight, just like this? Please?”

              Marcus smiled at her and planted a warm kiss on her forehead. “Of course darling, we can stay out here as long as you wish.”

              “Thank you,” she replied sleepily.

              Marcus nodded and ran his hand down her back. Alyssa watched his eyes in the near darkness.

              The fire reflected in them like liquid magic. Alyssa turned her head, her eyes focusing on the dwindling firelight. One of Marcus’s hands came up to the side of her face, cradling her against him. Her body felt warm, whole, and comfortable. Marcus held her gently, caressing her as they both looked into the flames.

              “Is this a dream?” she whispered uncertainly.

              Marcus chuckled softly and she turned her attention back to him, her gaze questioning. “You don’t have to worry about this fading away, not tomorrow or ever.”

              “So when tomorrow comes…?”

              “I will be right here with you,” he promised. Alyssa smiled at him and gave a short, satisfied nod. She was looking forward to him being there tomorrow, and the next day, and the one after that as well. Marcus held her gently, stroking her hair.

              Their bodies were both covered in a light sheen of perspiration. Alyssa was quickly reminded of how sweaty she really was.

              “I need a bath,” she whined softly even though they both knew that she didn’t have enough strength to get one.

              “Tomorrow,” Marcus said as they exchanged sleepy smiles.

              Alyssa nodded and rested her head against his chest. Sleep’s embrace was near, and she welcomed it. Marcus’s fingers ran idly through her hair as they both watched the fire. As sleep came, her last thoughts were of him.

              The crisp sheet was soft against her skin. She rolled onto her side and moaned. As the sun forced her awake she began groaning and pulled the blankets over her head. She didn’t remember going into the bedroom. Her memory was slightly hazy, but she was sure that she would have remembered doing that.

              She sat up and started to pull the sheet around her bare body, but stopped midway up her stomach. She was wearing a short white night dress. Marcus had dressed her. She could just barely recall him doing it, and the feel of his lips on her cheek as he had left her to sleep. She had thought that had been a dream.

              The other half of the bed was still made. It looked unslept in. “Marcus?” she called hopefully. There was no answer. “Marcus?” she called again, only to again be answered by the calm silence of the cabin.

              Alyssa slipped out from beneath the sheets and began walking into the common room when she stopped. The bathroom door was slightly ajar. She crept silently toward it, hearing the softest hint of water lapping against the tub. The door opened before she reached it, revealing a broadly grinning Marcus.

              “I thought you promised to be there when I woke up,” she teased, a mock scowl playing at her lips.

              “Well I had to do something first,” he said as he gently pulled her into his arms for a warm embrace. Alyssa nodded against his neck as the smell of lavender and chamomile swirled around her.

              Marcus released her and led her to the tub, which was filled just inches below the wide rim.

              Delicate white rose petals floated over the warm water. “You said you wanted a bath,” he murmured against her neck as she stood staring at the tub. He trailed a few light kisses over her neck and shoulder before stepping away from her. Marcus backed quietly toward the door, not wanting to intrude. Alyssa looked over her shoulder as his fingers grazed the door.

              “There is enough room for two in your bathtub,” she said shyly. Alyssa could feel the tips of her ears burning as he crept up behind her, his strong hands encircling her waist from behind, holding her against him as his lips found hers.

              “If you’re sure” he said as he released her. His kisses had left her breathless and wanting more.

              Alyssa nodded and turned toward him. She ran her hand over his bare chest. She gently undid his belt, allowing it and his white pants to fall to the floor. Marcus cupped her cheek in his hand and kissed her gently as he helped her pulled the short nightgown over her head.

              Alyssa turned away from him and stepped gingerly into the warm water. Marcus quickly followed, sliding in behind her. He lifted her gently onto his lap, his legs entwining with hers as the water washed over them. Alyssa leaned back, her cheek resting against the side of his warm neck as his hands began shyly exploring her body. Marcus’s fingers moved delicately down her arms, to her thighs, then back up her stomach. His touch was light, gentle, just barely tasting her skin.

              Alyssa’s eyes drifted closed as his lips came to the nape of her neck and he began gently kissing her.

              His kisses traveled up her slender neck to the curve of her ear. Marcus’s hands slid up her fluttering ribs to the curves of her breasts. His touch was feathery light as he caressed her. Alyssa leaned back, pressing herself into his touch as his fingers gently moved over her body. She trembled lightly in his hold.

              “Carry me to the bedroom,” she breathed against his neck. Marcus nodded and lifted her out of the tub. He laid her gently on the bed and stretched out next to her

              Their lovemaking was tender, slow, and gentle. Alyssa lay stretched out next to Marcus, her legs tangled with his. Marcus lay on his stomach, his face pressed into the pillow. He wasn’t asleep yet, but he was close. A thin sheen of sweat covered their bodies in the morning sunlight. Alyssa fidgeted under his arm. One of his arms lay splayed across her stomach. Alyssa lifted it up and tried to slide out from under him, but his hold tightened. “I need to get up,” she explained quietly. Marcus mumbled something into the pillow but relaxed his arm, allowing her to slip away. She kissed his cheek before walking outside into the warm sun.

The End