Page 60 of Death

I rest a hand on his face. Ari looks at me and closes his eyes, sensing my movement as I lean in to kiss him. He kisses me back as he curls his arms around me and pulls me closer, holding on tighter than the ribbon within.

“Thank you,” he whispers, his forehead touching mine.

“For what?” I ask.

He chuckles, his version of an answer. Strangely, I don’t mind. Somehow, I know exactly what he means.

I kiss his cheek and step back, scanning the beach path toward the castle.

“Show me more,” I say.

Ari raises his head and brings my hand to his lips, giving my knuckles one more sweet kiss.

“As you wish,” he says.