Christabel stood at the edge of Verona.
The city was almost finished.
The empire was almost complete.
And she had to decide what came next.
---
She stood on the balcony of the new hotel.
The highest point in the city.
The sun was setting. Pink and gold and orange.
The old town square was below. The fountain was running. The bench beneath the tree was waiting.
Damien stood behind her.
His hands on her waist.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
"I'm thinking about how far we've come."
"From where?"
"From the beginning. From the gallery. From the car."
"You remember that night?"
"I remember everything."
---
He pulled her closer.
His lips brushed her ear.
"I remember the way you looked at me. Like I was a monster."
"You were a monster."
"I still am."
"I know."
"And you love me anyway?"
She turned to face him.
"I love you because of it."
---
He kissed her.
Not gently.
The way she remembered.
His hands were in her hair. Her hands were on his chest. Their bodies pressed together like they were trying to become one thing.
"I need you," she said.
"I'm here."
"I need you now."
He lifted her.
Carried her inside.
Laid her on the bed.
---
The room was dark.
The city was bright.
He undressed her slowly.
Not rushing.
Savoring.
Her shirt. Her bra. Her pants.
She lay beneath him, naked and beautiful and his.
"You're staring," she said.
"I'm admiring."
"Same thing."
"Different intention."
---
He kissed her neck.
Her collarbone.
The space between her breasts.
She gasped.
"Damien."
"I'm here."
"I need—"
"I know."
He moved lower.
His mouth on her stomach. Her hips. Her thighs.
She was shaking.
"Please."
"Please what?"
"Please touch me."
---
He touched her.
His fingers found her center.
She was wet. Ready. Wanting.
"You're so beautiful," he said.
"Then show me."
He entered her.
Slowly.
Deeply.
She wrapped her legs around his waist.
Pulled him closer.
"This is what I needed," she whispered.
"What?"
"You. Us. This."
---
He moved inside her.
Not fast. Not slow.
Somewhere in between.
The way she loved.
She met every thrust.
Held him tight.
"I love you," she said.
"I know."
"I love you so much it hurts."
"I know."
"Don't stop."
"I won't."
---
She came apart beneath him.
Whispering his name.
Holding him close.
He followed.
And when it was over, they lay tangled together.
The city was dark.
The room was quiet.
"I love you," she said again.
"I know."
"I love you in ways I didn't know I was capable of."
He kissed her forehead.
"I know. Because I love you the same way."