Pleasure's Edge (32 page)

“Dylan . . . ” His voice was stil rough with passion.

“What is it?”

“I can’t stand that you’re afraid, baby. How can I help? How can I make you not so scared?”

Her heart melted at his concern. No one had ever cared the way he did.

“I have to find my way. But I wil . Just . . . love me, Alec. That’s how I can do this. That’s what wil pul me through. Make me as brave as I’ve pretended to be al these years.”

“You’re braver than you think, Dylan. You’re brave and beautiful and amazing.”

How was it possible that this man thought these things about her? Was it possible it was because they were true?

The idea hit her like a soft blow. And for the first time, she was able to trust it, to know there was truth in what he said.

“I’ve learned so much from you, Alec.”

His hand went into her hair, stroking, then to her cheek, and he held her cheek in his big palm. “You’ve taught me just as much.

Maybe that’s why we’re here, together.”

“Mischa said something like that to me once, when I was talking to her about you. I didn’t believe it then.”

“Do you now?”

“Yes. I can believe it because I love you. And maybe even more because you love me.”

He kissed her, his lips a soft stroking against hers. When she pul ed back to look at him, she saw everything he felt in his eyes. It was amazing. Beautiful. True.

Love was the key. Love was the strength she’d always been afraid she was lacking.

She didn’t have to be afraid anymore. Love would keep her as safe as anyone could be in this world. Alec would keep her safe.

She breathed out on a long sigh, a breath she’d been holding her entire life.

Safe.

Loved.

Final y.