Cotton tears, and the final barrier between them slips away.
Kagome holds her breath.
The rain outside the cave is suddenly louder, thunder closer. The dim lanterns near their pallet glare too brightly, and she shudders against the autumn chill on newly exposed flesh.
He covers her, warm lips pressing low on her belly. "Relax."
Her breath catches. The intimate affection, soft and comforting, eases some of her nervous tension.
"Beautiful, Kagome," he murmurs. Drifting lower, he kisses her again.
Heat spirals through her.
Beautiful.
Unbidden, tears prick at her eyes. And when his lips fall there, she closes them.
