Clear Dream
The kiss is brief. But tender. And sweet. She relaxes against him and feels like sighing. Once upon a time she persuaded herself all she ever needed from him was sex. There would be no love involved, no strings attached. Just an unforgettable night of ultimate pleasure. Just a brief moment of intimacy. Passion, lust, and indulgence. Nothing more. Nothing less. When the morning came, they would go back to their separate worlds and remained friends. Everything would be the same. Nothing would be changed. It would be no more than a pleasant memory, a little secret they shared. And her thirst would be quenched, her yearning fulfilled.
But her love for him had grown like Jack's magic beans over the years. The root dug deep into her soul. The branches clutched at her heart. The leaves whispered and teased her mercilessly in her dream. And she started wanting and longing for more, more, and more. Suddenly she wanted more than his perfect body. She wanted more than his beautiful eyes and soft full lips. She wanted him whole: his body, his love and his soul. She didn't give a damn about his dark secrets. She didn't give a damn about Joe Morelli's feelings. She didn't care what people—or her mother—would say or think. She wanted happiness. She deserved happiness. But she was—and still is—too afraid that he wouldn't want her. She was never brilliant and smart or drop dead gorgeous. She was far from perfect. Would he be able to love someone like her? Would she ever find the way to the Batcave? Would he slam the gate in her face or lock her in forever?
And now the truth is out. There will be no more cat and mouse game. There will be no more running away pretending. There is no turning back. She already has burned the bridge. Does it really matter if he's no family material? Does it really matter if his love doesn't come with a ring? Maybe. Maybe not. All she wants now is to be a part of his life. All she wants now is his love. All she wants now is his trust. All she wants now is to stay by his side till the end of time. But she will have to ask Ranger the question and accept his decision no matter what. It's not just about her. It's his life, too. A tiny smile finds its way to her face. The Queen of Denial has forfeited her throne. Who would have thought? She looks straight into Ranger's eyes. She has never felt this brave. She has never been this scared.
"Do you love me?" She quietly asks.
The heat radiating off his body is flat-out soothing. There's always something about him that makes her want to cling to him and purr like a cat. She blinks as he starts to smile. She suddenly realizes her hand is placed on his chest and right above his heart. He is so strong, so beautiful, and so alive. She almost sighs.
"I do." Ranger says.
"In your own way?" She faintly and hesitantly asks. He holds her prisoner with his enchanting gaze. The look on his face reminds her of the Sphinx. Serene. Enduring. Mysterious. Powerful. Amused.
"Babe,"