Page 118 of Trust the Fall
“Please lie down,” I beg, motioning for him to at least scoot back so that he can rest against his pillows.
He purses his mouth but obliges me.
When he’s settled, he stares at me for several long minutes, not saying anything. I’m about to break the tense silence, but he beats me to it.
“You came back.”
“I told you I would, Luke.”
His eyes close for a moment, and a breath rushes from his chest. He’s in pain.
“No love, I’m gutted.”
“Gutted?”
His answering sigh puts me on edge. Whatever is going through his mind right now, I’m sure to not like it, if his current countenance is any indication.
“I’ve done so much damage. I’ve hurt you too many times—”
I cut him off, not wanting to hear another word of his self-deprecation.
“I love you. That’s all that matters. I always have,” I say, placing my hand on top of his. “I don’t care what you did in the past. How badly you hurt me. I just want you. That hasn’t changed.”
“But our circumstances haven’t, Victoria. You’re still needed in the reaper kingdom and I’m still here. That can’t change. The balance of the universe depends on both of us upholding our positions.”
“I know that I have a duty to uphold, but why can’t I also rule here? There’s no reason I can’t.”
His face turns hard. “I won’t allow you to stay here. You’re better than that, Victoria. You and I both know it. You don’t belong in Hell.”
“And neither do you, Luke.” My voice rises as anger takes hold. I won’t allow him to continue to push me away for my own benefit. He doesn’t get to decide what’s best for me. Nobody does.
“You’re here out of obligation, not because you’re a bad man. You keep the peace and that’s amazing, but that’s not all that you are.”
“Look at how quickly shit spun out of control in my absence,” he bites out, growing angry himself. “I’m needed here.”
“I need you,” I cry.
His head shakes and lowers. “I’m no good for you. I’m the epitome of evil.”
I place my hand under his chin and tip his head so that we’re staring into each other’s eyes.
“You’re not evil, Luke. Even in the shadows, you bring light. God placed you here because you can turn a black soul to good. You shine like a beacon, drawing everyone to you. The truly wicked are only held at bay because your divine virtuousness wills it so. Please don’t turn me away. Please don’t cast me into darkness.”
I’m nearly crazed, begging for him to love me back.
“It isn’t for a lack of love, Victoria. My heart beats only for you.”
“Then let me stay.”
“Hell is the last place I’d want the woman I love to remain. It’s not safe for you.”
“I’d stay anywhere as long as you’re there with me.” I grab his hand, placing it over my beating heart. “You and me. Always. Got that?”
His eyes mist and I just about buckle at the sight. I lean forward and swipe the moisture away.
“I love you,” I whisper. “Please let me stay by your side. Choose me. Choose us.”
His breath catches and his throat bobs. “Only you, Victoria. It was only ever you.”