So this is the second to last apage for this story I think. Unless you guys really really want more. :)

I awoke with a frazzled brunette in my bed, and this time I knew her name and remembered the night as clear a crystal.

My limbs were sore and throbbing, absolutely worn out from the entire fiasco, breath coming in slow, methodic swings like a pendulum. I finally felt absolutely in balance, in complete equilibrium. The spirit was alight in my chest, threading sweet colors of whites and pinks, like blushes of passion or doves taking wing.

The thick curtains were drawn closed, the light of morning seeping in through the one crack between them, but they guarded the privy room from the heat of day. My skin was cold, almost freckled with goose bumps as I heard the air conditioner kick on, my hand grabbing for the hem of the covers and pulling them over me.

I didn't want this night to end. As my eyes closed tiredly, I smiled as my hand found the close heat of the body beside me. It was electrifying, that she was actually here, actually sleeping beside me.

I'd only dreamed about this before.

And here it was so alive and breathing beside me.

My eyes lingered open, and flashed to her as I heard the bed sheets crinkle with movement.

Her arms were curled up to her chest, chastely hiding her luscious breasts in her sleep, tanned and strong and artfully beautiful as always.

I suddenly wanted to paint her again. But I pushed the swelling emotion down and instead slithered closer to her, feeling like I was swimming in the sea of ruffled bed sheets, the mattress spread out and large with comforters and misplace pillows.

Rose was facing the foot board, legs tangled in the sheets as well, caught in their warm depths, slumbering so silently.

I traced the abrasions on her neck, tingling at the thought that I had done that to her, bitten and tasted such a delicious fruit. Her collar bone swooped low and femininely, chest taking small, unnoticed breaths as she dreamed in her high.

I had taken her last night with no regret.

I had been in too much ecstasy to say no when she had fallen into my arms and drunkenly asked if I would kiss her. Asked over and over if I loved her.

Reassuringly I said yes, and things escalated so fast, so passionately that it just happened. Like the wind blows or birds fly, it just happened.

She stirred, rolling onto her back and all I could think of was how her shoulder blades looked like budding wings, as her hand lightly fell onto my shoulder. She still felt hot from our play. I shuddered.

The curve of her hips was strong and rounded, skin brazen and silky, the folds of her hair loosening and covering the tattoos on her neck.

My fingers curled and brushed the strands away, lips falling on the inked skin and kissing them with light, feathery intentions. It was so awe-inspiring, so belittling to think that this strong woman, this bold, stone cold, roses and thorns, hearts and daggers girl could fold in on herself so easily and succumb to one of life's basic temptations. She had braved death's door, murdered in cold blood and then broke under my love.

I could have laughed at the entire situation.

I breathed her scent in, and vowed I would never love anything as much as I loved her right now. In this one moment. It wasn't something I could describe. She was my muse, no other thoughts could gather to form an idea when she was around. I wanted to paint her, wanted to press myself against her, wanted to move and be moved by the beautiful creature Rose Hathaway.

Sweat clung to her, smelling of grass and the perfume she wore, and like iron and happiness. Her lips were slightly parted, and the lines carved into them were enticing and her rosy cheeks were exciting, and I found everything so interesting about her that I could have kissed her again, just to seal this with strong conviction.

I slowly stretched up, taking in a refreshing breath of morning air before my hands fiddled with the carton of cigarettes on the night stand, lighting one with the flick of my fingers on the trigger of the lighter. I drew in a deep breath, exhaling softly and settling into a comfortable position beside my Rose.

Looking back, I wish I hadn't done it. Looking back I wished she had never woken up, because what came next was absolutely and terrifyingly heart breaking.

The first and possibly worst cliff hanger! 0_o I doubt anyone is still even reading this, so bla here you go.

I know its not as long or as descriptioned as my other chapters, sorry for that! But I wanted a stark sort of feeling before the next chapter.

What do u guys think? R and R please!