Chapter 44

"I love you, Merlyn. The feeling is frightening. I have you, but it's like I don't have you enough. So I hug you, but when I do, it's like you're not close enough. So I kiss you, and still I can't get enough. So I make love to you. And yet, and still I feel like I'll wake up and won't be sure. And I worry. I worry that I'll lose you again. That's one of the reasons I watch you sleep. Because I'm afraid if I close my eyes, when I open them again, you'll be gone. This is why I want to marry you, Merlyn, do you understand?" A lone tear fell from my lashes. I should somehow tell him sweet words and get out of this situation. "I'll never leave you again, Stephen. You're my lifeline." The next moment a menacing laughter left out of him. "That's right. You are my slave and should be ready 24/7 to follow my instructions. He placed his finger under her chin, tilting it upward to kiss her. The kiss was wild, demanding and ferocious taking away the breath out of her. Merlyn whimpered. "Stephen