Page 45 of The Darkest Hour

I like. . .this. . .

Of course I kept that thought to myself not wanting to sound like a crazy man in this time of chaos. It just sucked that right when I was possibly about to die. . .I would learn about the power of this sort of closeness with a woman.

Now, I regretted keeping my emotional distance with women, building walls around my heart to protect myself from the inevitable loss and betrayal that came with my lifestyle.

Yet, here in the middle of the vast, indifferent dark ocean, those walls began to crumble.

I want to live and. . .I want more of this. I’ve missed so much out of life.

To my surprise, she moved in closer to me, so close that I could feel her heartbeat, steady and strong against my chest.

Then, she whispered, “This feels good.”

“It does.” I smirked. “I’m glad I didn’t kill you.”

“Apparently, someone has an odd case of amnesia.”

“What?”

“I was about to kill you.”

“You wish.”

“I don’t wish. I simply make death happen at ease.”

Light warm drops of rain fell on my skin.

Damn it.

At least the rain wouldn’t be freezing cold like the ocean.

She snuggled up even more. Her dreadlocks fell against me. “I'm starving.”

“Me too.”

She trembled against me. “What do you think happens when two assassins are starved and stuck on a raft together?”

I closed my eyes, falling deeper within the intimate moment. “One will eventually eat the other.”

“There you go again with the cannibalism.”

“To be fair, you keep bringing up scenarios that deal with it.”

“But, just an FYI, I’m not that tasty.

I chuckled, the sound surprising even to myself. “I bet you are delicious.”

“I’m about to go back to the other side of the raft.”

“My apologies.” I tightened my hold on her. “What's your favorite meal, Onyx?”

Her voice turned dreamy like she could see the dish right in front of her. “There's this little place in Seattle, a hole-in-the-wall joint. But it makes the best Pho I’ve ever had. Sometimes I fly there, just to order it.”

“Mmmm. Tell me more.”

“The broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly cooked. Plus, they have this special hot sauce that just makes it all come together.”

“God. . .that sounds good.” I imagined it in my mind.