Chapter 197

　　Derek's POV 　　After taking the last step, I had made up my mind. 　　Even when I hated her back then, I never gave up, so now I wasn't about to back down either. 　　I turned the doorknob carefully and walked slowly into the room. 　　By the light from outside the door, I saw Tabitha sleeping soundly on the bed. 　　Her fair cheeks were blushing, and her body was wriggling restlessly. 　　She mumbled, "No. Don't..." 　　I felt so guilty. She had gone through so much lately, and she felt insecure even in her sleep. 　　I reached out and gently shook her arm, softly saying, "Tabitha, wake up." 　　She stirred, looking all dazed. 　　Then she pressed her lips against mine, and the sudden warmth startled me. 　　I felt like my dream had come true, and I froze, not daring to move at all. 　　The darkness made it difficult for me to tell the difference between a dream and a fantasy. 　　I let Tabitha wrap her arms around my neck, her soft lips brushing against mine. 　　It was slowly driving me wild. 　　Our breaths