I wanted to let everyone know that I finally put up a profile. I worked on it all day on Friday and it is amazing. I want everyone to check it out! I put some of my favorite songs and music videos on it and a little bit about my next fanfiction after I finish this one. Also, I put a little bit of information about the next TEEN TITANS MOVIE (though don't get to excited, it's not really related that much to the 2001 series). But check it out; it's all on my page! Just click on my penname at the top!
Thanks, ThexRealxStarfire
Chapter 17: Jade Tears
Finally catching up to Kori, Richard grabbed her shoulder and turned her around. "Kori-what-"
Richard was cut off by the feel of burning, hot pain as it spread across the left side of his face as Kori's hand connect with his cheek.
"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! EVERYTHING! YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE COME BACK! YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING…EVERYTHING!"
With that she quickly whipped around with the intention of running down the boardwalk and home but was stopped by a hand that held onto her forearm preventing her from leaving. "Let me go Richard!" She yelled turning to face him.
"Kori, please!" He begged and she stopped fighting his grip. He sighed with relief, "what happened?"
Kori looked away, "I told…I told Roy…that I could not marry him."
Richard wanted to be happy, Kori wasn't getting married…but she was upset, he couldn't be happy when she was so miserable. He would do anything to see her smile again. "Why?" he asked, his voice a stiff monotone.
Kori turned and look up at him, "because it wouldn't be fair to Roy, for him to be legally bound to a woman who is not truly in love with him. I could not do that to him…or myself. I do care greatly for Roy and I want him to find a woman who will love him the way he deserves to be loved, and I cannot give him that."
"Are you okay?" He asked, his voice that same monotone.
Kori looked out into the water, as if she would find the answer to his question in the light waves drifting to the shore. It was growing darker out and the glittering of the moon against the water was becoming more visible, Kori just wanted to stare out into the water forever, to forget everything and everyone.
"Kori?" He voice brought her back and she looked down at the damp wooden boardwalk.
"This shouldn't have happened, if you had not come back I would be marring Roy and everything would be fine." She whispered chocking on her sobs.
"Is that what you want?"
"I do not know what I want Richard! I don't want this. I don't want to hurt anymore!" She could feel the tears running down her cheeks with each statement.
"Would marrying Roy make you stop hurting?" He didn't want to hear her answer but at the same time knew he had to. If marrying Roy would make her happy, he would do everything he could to make that happen no matter how much it pained him know that after they were married she would be gone forever.
"No, I just…I don't want to feel angry anymore. So, I'm forgiving you, I was never able to do that before…but I have to." She looked back up at him, "but not for you, for me."
"What can I do to make it better? To make you smile again?"
Kori once again looked out into the water an ambivalent look on her face. Hesitantly she continued, "I…I'm confused."
"Hey, hey" Richard put a finger under her chin, tilting it upward, "why don't we just try being friends. Let's wipe the slate clean and start over." He sighed, "Why don't we get to know each other as Richard Grayson and Kori Anders?"
She stared into his icy blue eyes for a moment almost as if in a trace before a small smile graced her face, "I would like that very, very much."
Raven groaned opening her eyes slowly only to quickly shut them from the florescent ceiling lights. 'Florescent ceiling lights? Where am I?' Squinting for a moment she blinked trying to adjust to the harsh lighting.
"Raven? Are you awake?"
She turned to her side, "Gar?"
She felt him grab her hand, sighing with relief he replied, "yeah, it's me. How are you feeling?"
Squirming a bit on the uncomfortable, stiff mattress she exhaled deeply, "lousy. What happened? Where am I?"
"You're in the hospital Raven, you passed out. When I found you, you were barely breathing." He spoke slowly, starring at the ground. The words coming out garbled as if it physically hurt him to speak them. "You scared me Raven, I though…I though-"
"Don't" she cut him of placing a hand to his mouth. Pulling her hand away from his lips she placed it on her face, over the tubes she felt under her nose.
"The doctors hooked you up to a bunch of machines to help you breathe. The doctor said you lungs looked terrible, he asked me if you smoked. I told him you just quit."
She looked away ashamed. She rarely smoke, how could this have happened? She felt like such a fool. She could have killed herself. "Am, am I going to come off these machines?" She dreaded the answer. What if she was stuck on a respirator for the rest of her life?
"No, Ms. Roth, you're going to be fine however I do suggest that you stay away from cigarettes permanently, they've caused you're lungs a lot of damage. Also, for the next few days, just as a precaution, avoid strenuous activity. Don't overwork your lungs for a while, alright?"
Raven nodded. "Anything else?"
"No, we would like you to stay the night; just so we can make sure you're okay. You can leave in the morning. Besides that, do you have any questions?"
Raven shook her head no, "not at the moment, thank you." With a nod the doctor left the room, closing the large wooden door behind him.
Sitting up, she turned to Garfield, "I'm sorry Gar, I ruined our evening."
Garfield starred at her in disbelief, "you're worried about the evening? Raven, I'm just so thankful that you're okay. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you. You've quite smoking, haven't you?"
"Yes, Gar. I told you I did." She looked down fiddling with one of the tubes, "I'm sorry I scared you, I-I I'm sorry." She kept her head down; she didn't know what else to say. She couldn't imagine what it must have been like to walk in and find her lying there. She cringed at the thought.
Garfield placed a hand on her cheek and turned her face so they were facing each other. Leaning down he gently kissed her lips, "I'm just glad you're okay. I don't even want to image what my life would be like without you. I don't ever want to lose you."
Walking Kori up her front steps Richard rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, here we are" he said sheepishly.
Kori giggled, "Yes, here we are. Thank you for walking me home. I greatly appreciate it."
"You're welcome. There was no way I was going to let you walk home alone, especially this late at night." He watched her search for her key and then saw her face light up when she found it, pulling it out victoriously.
Richard chuckled, "same old Starfire…" he mumbled to himself.
Kori looked up at him, "what?"
Richard shook his head, "nothing."
Opening her door she swung her purse onto her left shoulder. Wincing in pain she quickly removed the bag. She placed her right hand on her should and sighed.
"Are you okay? What happened?"
"Oh, yes I'm fine. My shoulder is still a little sore from the wound. It has yet to fully heal. I keep forgetting, which reminds me that I must change the bandage."
"Do you need any help or anything?"
"No, no don't worry. I'm fine." She smiled at him. "And Richard…"
"Yeah?"
She hesitated starring into his eyes once again, she didn't recognize the feeling she got every time she was with him, but she liked it. He made her feel, not just safe but…happy too. Snapping out of her trace she continued, "thank you. I'm…glad we're friends. And, I'm…I'm sorry I hit you."
Richard gave a light laugh. Leaning down slightly he kissed her cheek before heading back down the stairs.
"Will you be okay getting home?" She called to him.
Richard nodded his head, opening his car door. "I'll be fine."
Kori smiled at his before walking into her house, closing the door behind her.
Looking around the house she suddenly remembered Roy's absence. She felt terrible for hurting him and she didn't like being alone but she let a small smile grace her face none the less. Feeling content she sighed, 'I made the right choice,' she thought without a single doubt in her mind.
"How're you feeling? Glad to be home?" Garfield asked Raven as he held open her apartment door for her to walk through.
"Much better, thanks. It's good to be home." She looked down, saddened, "I'm sorry I put you through that."
Garfield closed the door and smiled at her, "Stop apologizing." Coming over to her he wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her cheek. "I'm just glad you're okay."
Raven smiled and leaned against him. Her smiled fading, her eyes wide and staring into space she whispered, "Gar, I…" then froze.
"Yeah?"
She hesitated, "I...I…" She couldn't do it. She couldn't tell Gar what she really wanted to tell him. That she was scared, that she was afraid that next time that happened…she would die. She was afraid to open herself up to him, to be vulnerable, to open her heart to another person. She'd done that twice before and both times she had been hurt. "…Nothing. Never mind, it's not important."
Gar looked at her concerned then relaxed and gave Raven a gentle smile. "Here, you must be starved. I'm gonna go in the kitchen and whip you up something to eat."
Raven smiled, but was unable to look at him and her eyes stayed locked on the ground. "Kori said dating a cook would have benefits. She always poking at the fact that I can't cook." Realization dawn on her, 'Kori!' "Gar, did you call Kori yesterday?"
"No, should I have?"
"No, I don't want her to worry. She has too much going on in her own life right now. She doesn't have time to worry about mine."
"She still with Roy?" Gar asked over his shoulder as he searched the kitchen cabinets for some pans.
"Yeah, but she's so unhappy. I'm guessing you know that she's-"
"In love with Rich…yeah."
"I just wish she wasn't so miserable. You should have seen her that morning, two days ago, when I took her home from the hospital; she almost had a complete breakdown. She's scared to hurt Roy and scared of being hurt by Richard. She's a sick cycle. I just wish she could find some happiness. I don't want to burden her with my problems; she has to worry about her own life right now." Raven sighed before coming to sit at the small kitchen table.
"I hope everything works out for her. I hate seeing her so miserable, too. But I was talking to Richard the other day. You know, when we met for lunch. He really loves her; I mean I know he's made some mistakes in the past but…who hasn't. He really cares for her and I know she loves him. I can see it."
"I know. So, what're you making?" Raven asked trying to lighten up the mood.
"Eggs benedict…vegetarian style." He said smiling at her.
"Will I like it?" She asked dubiously.
He laughed, "you're gonna love it."
"Thanks," Kori said to the man behind the Dunkin Donuts counter as he handed her her cinnamon latte. Walking out of the building she inhaled the cool March breeze. It was almost April and the air was becoming warm, sunny, and inviting.
It was a wonderful day and her feelings made it even more wonderful. It was early, only 9:30 in the morning. She knew Roy was going to be at their house at noon and whenever she thought about it she felt her stomach clench. She knew she had done the right thing, but she still felt guilty. Roy was a wonderful man and she never wanted to hurt him. She wanted to be there when he came home, just to apologize and try and smooth things over between them. But, at the same time she felt it right to respect his wishes.
She sighed, she knew that they had bought that house together and within a few days it would be on the market. While it was on the market she would look for her own place, maybe a nice penthouse like Raven had. She didn't need a big house to live alone.
Raven, she had to call Raven and tell her what happened. Karen and Victor too, she had to tell Karen especially considering she was already starting to plan the wedding. She hoped they wouldn't ask too many questions even though she knew that was wishful thinking. She really didn't want to have to talk about it mainly because she wasn't able to admit the real reason she broke it off with Roy to herself.
'Richard' she was so glad they were friends again. She hated being angry with him. She always had, but now that he was here, she realized just how much she missed him. Starting her car she headed back home.
"Hello?" Raven asked into the receiver of her home phone. "Oh, hey Kori. What's up?"
"Can we meet today? I have some things to tell you about and I do not wish to over the phone."
"Yeah, sure. You want to come over now? Gar's here though, is that okay?"
"Oh yes, in fact he should know as well. I will be by in, umm is an hour alright with you both?"
"Yeah, see you soon."
Hanging up the phone Raven turned to Gar who was putting the finishing touches on breakfast, "Kori's gonna stop by in about an hour or so. Is that okay? She says she has something important to tell both of us."
"Yeah, definitely. I haven't spoken to Kori in a while considering the last time I saw her was under terrible circumstances. I'll be good to see her." Placing a plate of tofu eggs and white toast in front of Raven and another across from her for himself he continued, "I wonder what she's gonna tell us though."
Staring down at her plate she replied, "I don't know but by the tone of her voice, it sounds important."
"Aren't you going to eat?" She asked him confused, noticing that he hadn't taken a bite of his food yet.
"You first," he answered with a grin.
Sighing Raven took a bite of her eggs and immediately put down her fork.
"Well?"
She looked up at him and smiled, "it's delicious."
"That great! I'm glad you like it cause I have so many other foods that I want you to try that I know you're going to love."
Kori sighed as she slid into the driver's seat of her car. She checked the clock on the dash board and closed the door. It was 10:15 and Roy would be coming in a few hours. She so wanted to be here when he arrived to smooth things over and try to make them okay. She knew it wouldn't be easy but she wanted to stay friends with him, she truly did.
However, she had come to the decision that respecting Roy wishes and not being present when he came was best. They would have to speak to each other soon anyway when they went to sell the house.
Pulling out of her driveway she headed towards Raven's house. She knew she had to tell Raven what had happened, she felt it only right. And Gar had every right to know as well considering he was one of her closest friends.
Parking she stepped out of her car and walked up the stairs into the large building and up to Raven's penthouse on the top floor. Knocking on her door she waited for Raven to answer, bouncing on the balls of her heels.
"Hi Raven," Kori smiled as Raven opened the door, stepped aside for Kori to enter and then closed the door behind her. "How are you?"
Raven averted her eyes from Kori's, "I'm fine."
Kori smiled, "and you Gar!" She didn't know exactly where he was but she knew he was somewhere in the house.
"I'm good Kori, what's up with you?" He called from the kitchen.
Walking into the kitchen Kori sat down Raven doing the same in the chair across from her. "Quite a lot actually. Starting with…my, breakup with Roy."
"Kori," Raven's eyes widened in shock. Gar came over and placed a hand on Kori's shoulder, "you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine," she said exhaling deeply, "it was the right thing to do. I know that now. And, after that incident Richard came by and we are trying to regain our friendship. Though, I am aware that it will not be the same as it once was. Mainly because we are no longer the same people, we are no longer Robin and Starfire."
Raven took Kori's hand in her own, "I'm glad you two are working things out. Do you think there can ever be anything between the two of you other than friendship?"
"I do not know, but…I don't know, it's just too soon. I feel as if I would be being, disloyal to Roy. It is strange, I know and I am not in love with Roy but none the less, it is just too soon."
"I understand, I'm not trying to pressure you or anything, I just wanted to know where the two of you stood."
Kori looked up at Gar and then turned to face Raven, "I will let you know as soon as I find out myself."
That evening Kori looked around her house, all of Roy's belongings were gone. It wasn't that the house was empty it just felt that way. With all of his items gone, Roy's presence was gone. Though the house felt empty, she was happy she had done what she did. Know Roy was free to find the woman who would love him the way he deserved to be loved, the way she never could.
"Richard?" Kori called across the pier. She had gone to take a walk, just to clear her head. She would be starting back up at work soon, after her injuries had recovered. Hopefully, the scars would be minor and she could just cover them up with a little makeup.
It had been a few days after she had made her announcement about her breakup with Roy known to her friends and they had been very supportive and she was thankful for that. She hadn't spoken to Roy in days but was a bit afraid to call him, what if he yelled at her? She knew they would have to talk eventually. Sure she could pay for the house herself, but she couldn't stay. Plus, she needed Roy signature on the form to put the house on the market in the first place.
Richard turned at the sound of his name being called to see Kori running up to him. He smiled and waved her over. "Hi Richard, I can't believe I'm seeing you here again."
"Yeah, I like coming here. It's one of my favorite places to be."
Kori watched him as he watched the water and stood next to him staring out at the ocean as well. "I agree, the water is simply so beautiful. So vast, it makes you feel as if anything is possible."
He turned to her, a suddenly concerned look on his face. "How are you doing?"
Kori closed her eyes and sighed, "I wish people would stop asking me that. I'm fine, I truly am."
"I'm sorry, it's just that…you've been through so much recently and…I just worry about you."
Tilting her head slightly up to look at him she sighed, "Don't, please don't worry about me. I'm going to be okay. There are just a lot of things I need to figure out. For years I've been going through life, making choices that would help me survive. I think now, it's time I make them because they are the right ones."
"Can I help?"
"I don't know."
"C'mon." He said heading back to the boardwalk.
"Where are we going?"
"Just for a walk, just along the pier. And then I'll take you home okay?" Richard wanted to make it clear to her that he wasn't trying to step over any boundaries. He was grateful that they were forming a friendship again and he didn't want to make her feel pressured or like she was doing something she didn't want to do.
Kori smiled, "I'd really love that."
"Richard, Kori!" Taking Richard's hand as he pulled her out of his car she smiled at the sound of Karen's voice. Karen had always been fun, and real. She always could make Kori smile just by saying hi with such energy and vigor.
"Karen, how are you? I haven't spoken to you in a while." Kori said as she walked up to her and gave her a hug. She looked her over; she looked absolutely beautiful in her black, spaghetti strap, knee length cocktail dress. They, meaning Karen and Victor, Raven and Gar, and Richard and Kori had all decided to meet for dinner. It was the first time in years that they had all been together under good circumstances.
"It's only been a few days," Karen laughed.
"Much too long!" Kori said laughing as well. Feeling a hand on her shoulder she turned around and was pulled into a big hug.
"Victor! It's so nice to see you too." She laughed retuning the hug with the same delight.
"Hey, lil' lady. Raven and Gar are already inside."
Kori perked up even more, "great! I'll go say high." Running as quickly as she could in her red strapped heels that went perfectly with her red halter top ankle length dress she ran into the restaurant.
The place they had decided to dine at was a very exquisite seafood restaurant literally on the water, with vegetarian dishes as well. Richard had reserved a large table out of the back deck over looking the vast ocean. In fact, the restaurant was Richard's idea considering he knew of Kori's love of the ocean. He just wanted her to have a good time and he figured being in an atmosphere she loved couldn't hurt.
"So you're starting work again soon?" Karen asked Kori as they waited for their dishes to arrive.
Kori who had been staring out at the dark ocean which was almost invisible next to the night sky quickly turned her head, "I'm sorry, what?"
"You okay Kor; you seem kinda out of it." Gar asked, concerned.
Taking a sip of her wine she shook her head, "I'm fine." Turning to Karen she smiled, "and yes, I will be starting work again. In fact I have a photo shoot next Monday. I'm modeling a new line of spring wear. It is almost April, just about spring time."
"That's great Kori, I'm so glad you're recovery went so well."
"Thanks Vic, I am too."
"So Rich…how's work going? Any hostile takeovers or anything like that…?"
"I'll call you both tomorrow," Kori said to Raven and Karen as everyone prepared to leave. Both girls nodded and Kori rejoined Richard who was saying his goodbyes as well.
Placing a hand on his shoulder she smiled at him. "Hey, ready to go?"
"Yeah," she said with a smile."
"The pier? Again?" Kori laughed. "We sure do this a lot."
Richard smiled, "yeah, but I know you love it. So how did you like tonight?"
She inhaled deeply, a smile spreading across her face that seemed to light up the night. "It was wonderful. We all haven't gotten together in so long. And, with you there it was like we were teenagers again. Just laughing and having fun." She leaned against the pier and just gazed out at the water. "Thank You."
"I'm glad you had a good time." He said turning to face her.
Looking up into his eyes she nodded, he voice just above a whisper, "I did."
Kori stared into his eyes and she couldn't help it, she rested her palm on his cheek. Suddenly, realizing what she was doing her eyes widened and she quickly retracted her hand.
"We should go," she said quickly, heading to his car too embarrassed to look at him.
Kori stared out the car window watching the buildings and the shadows of the trees pass by in a rush a black and white light. 'How could I have done that? What's wrong with me?' Finally really looking out the window she read the passing street signs and realized this wasn't the way to her house. Where were they going then?
"Richard," she started meekly, she voice right above a whisper, "where are we going?"
"We're going back to my place. I want to give you something. I hope that's okay," he asked suddenly realizing that he hadn't even asked her permission.
"Yes, it's fine. But you do not need to give me anything. That is unnecessary."
"No, it is necessary. You need to have this back."
She turned to look at him, "Back?"
Pulling up in front of his large estate Richard got out of the car and went to the other side to open Kori's door as well. Offering her his hand, she smiled and thanked him and he pulled her out.
Following him up the stairs to his front door she watched him insert his key into one of the large oak doors. When he pushed open the door Kori's gasped at the beauty of his home. She stepped onto the shinning black and white marble floor of the foyer and looked up at the multiple large, diamond chandlers that hung on the ceiling. Towards the back of the foyer she saw a large winding staircase made of the same exquisite marble. Following the stairs with her eyes she saw that they lead to a long corridor at the top which she guessed lead to others as well. From the railing at the top of the hall, she discovered a person could look down and admire the beauty of this palace in its entirety. 'It must be amazing looking down from up there.'
"Kori?"
Kori whipped around at the sound of Richard voice. He was calling her from the base of the stairs. "Yes?"
"Ladies first." He replied gesturing for her to go in front of him up the stairs.
"Thank you," she smiled and rested her hand on the banister, listening to her heels click on the stairs as she climbed to the top Richard now next to her.
Walking down one of the many corridors on the top floor she felt Richard stop and did the same. "Here it is."
"What's in here?" She asked curiously.
"Some things that I couldn't bear to part with," Pulling out a key he opened the door and pulled it open stepping aside to let Kori walk in.
She stared in amazement at the large room. It looked almost like a comfy den with a couch, a few chairs, and a flat screen television on the wall. The other walls were lined with cabinets and armoires. "Do you come to this room often?" She asked quietly afraid she would disrupt the tranquil feel of the room if she spoke to loudly.
"When I want to think, it's relaxing. I like the feel of this room. I think I get my work done more efficiently in here."
"You wanted to give me something."
"Yeah," he began making his way over to a desk in the corner of the room under a large window, "this," he pulled open a draw and placed something in his palm, closing his fingers around it.
He held out his hand to her and Kori walked closer to him and opened his fingers. She gasped in shock at what lay in his palm. "Richard…" she breathed. "You've had this, this whole time?"
"Yeah, the night I was leaving I went into your room. I wanted to say goodbye. You were sleeping as I knew you would be. I sat on your bed and ran my finger through your hair, over you cheek." Richard spoke in a whisper staring straight ahead, yet looking at nothing.
"Richard…" she whispered again through unmoving lips. She didn't know what else to say.
"You looked so beautiful, so at peace. I didn't want to think about the morning when you'd wake up and I wouldn't be there anymore. I didn't want to think about how upset I was going to make you. I ki-," he hesitated, "kissed you, twice. Once on the cheek and then on your lips. When I got up to leave I saw something shinning on your dresser. It was that necklace. I don't know why, but I took it. No, that's not true I do know why…I want to have something, something real, something I could hold and remember you by. I'm sorry I've kept it all these years."
Kori stared down at the necklace in her hand. She remembered the day she got it at a boutique on the pier. That boutique was long gone now. She held the tear drop shaped light green jade stone in her hand tightly. All the diamonds that twisted around the gem still in tacked. The stone was attached to a thin sliver chain that had snapped and been repaired more times than she could remember. Robin had bought it for her and it was her favorite. She didn't even have to ask him, he just saw the way she admired it and without hesitation bought it for her and surprised her with it that night.
Starfire had kept it on her dresser top so she could always see it when she wasn't wearing it. She saw it as a sign of her and Robin's love and when it had disappeared on the day Robin and left, she thought of it as a sign from some greater force that their love was over. When she saw her necklace gone that same day, she thought it must be true.
Kori couldn't believe that Robin had had it all these years. She wasn't angry after all it was just a necklace now. Kori didn't say anything for a few moments before holding the piece of jewelry back out to him. "Here, it was Starfire's, you can have it now. She's not here anymore to want it back."
"Kori…"
Placing the necklace on the desk top with a light tap she turned and headed towards the door.
"Kori…" she stilled as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Please take it."
"It's not mine," was her impassive reply.
"Yes it is." He said firmly before turning her around to face him. Hands on both her shoulders he titled her head up slightly with his finger to look her in the eyes. "I see Starfire in your eyes, when you smile, when you laugh. Starfire's still a part of you."
She sighed, feeling tears push against her eyes. "How can that be? I've been through so much. I'll never be that naïve girl again."
He stared at her, confused. "That's not what made you Starfire. What made you Starfire was the way you always lit up a room when you laughed and they way you would always put other people before yourself. The way your happiness just seemed to radiate to other people when you walked into a room or when you smiled. You energy, your light…your warmth, your acceptance, and your love. That's what made you Starfire. It still does."
The tears were falling now and she could feel her body shaking under his steady hands with each gasp of breathe she took. She closed her eyes as she felt him wipe her tears away with his thumbs. Her eyes still lightly closed she spoke in a whisper, "Richard…please…I-"
"Shhh…" he whispered gently, cutting her off.
Keeping her eyes closed she spoke again. "I don't want to hurt anymore." Ignoring the crack in her voice she continued, "I'm afraid, afraid that if I give you my heart again…you'll break it. Just as you did before. If I let myself give into my feelings for you, I could lose my heart in the process. I shouldn't love you the way I do…I am just going to get hurt in the end." The tears falling once again, "I'm scared, so scared."
Pulling her to him he felt her rest her hands on his shoulder and cry into his shoulder. He wrapped her arms around her waist. "I won't hurt you again, ever again. I know you have no reason to believe that, no reason to believe my promises…" he trailed off.
Holding her at arms length he brushed a strand of amber hair behind her ear and trailed his hand down her cheek, "I love you. I've loved you since I met you. I love you…more than I ever thought I could love a person. I always have, and I never stopped."
She placed her hand on his cheek and he pulled her closer. She leaned forward, titling her head up slightly. She gently brushed her lips against his. Feeling him kiss back she pressed her lips hungrily to his slipping her hand from his cheek, down his neck to rest on his shoulder. She felt his arms loosen from around her waist and one rested on her hip and the other slid into her hair tilting her head back further to give him better access to her mouth.
Parting for air she leaned her forehead against his. Lightly kissing his lips once again she slid one hand into his hair pulling him closer to her. Trailing her hand down she wrapped both of them around his neck, while both if his stayed in her hair.
Pulling back Richard breathed into her ear, "Do you want me anywhere near as much as I want you?"
Kori's head fell back and she shuddered at the sensation of his breath tickling her ear. "More." She whispered back in a breathy voice.
"That's not possible," he replied, his voice husky.
Kissing her neck lightly he lead her out of the room and to his bedroom across the hall. About to open the door he froze. Turning towards her he grew serious. "Are you sure this is what you want?"
Kori kissed his lips, her tongue teasing his bottom lip especially, "I'm sure." She whispered without hesitation.
Kori opened the door to his bedroom before pulling Richard inside behind her.
I'm so sorry this took so long. I had planned for this to go up so much earlier but I never had time to finish it. Well, I really love this chapter and I hope you did too. I'm going to have the next chapter up if not before but during my April vacation which is from the 2nd to the 10th.
Till then!!!