Page 207 of The Company

“My Harper. I want to marry you. I want to take you away. Somewhere safe, and quiet. Somewhere we can get to know each other for real. On our own time. Slowly.” He reaches up and brushes a stray strand of hair away from my eyes and tucks it behind my ear. “I want to make love to you under the stars. And sail around the world with you in a boat. I want you all to myself. I’m a stingy, greedy, killer. And I want you. I want to know you.”

“I want to know you too,” I say back, my words so soft they are just barely a whisper. “I’ve wanted you since the day we turned Six. I didn’t understand it, but the way you looked at me, I could feel the love. I could feel your attention.” My face begins to get hot and the tears begin to form. “I just want a simple life, James. I don’t need a fancy boat or a big house. I don’t need money. I just want you. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to fight the Company rules and traditions. I just want to run away with you and never look back. ”

He swipes a tear away. “I told you we can’t do that, lionfish. I told you they’ll never let us live. They will find us. I need to take them out.”

“It’s hopeless.”

“It’s not.” He reaches for me, placing his hand against my cheek. It’s cool and feels comforting. I’m warm from the tears and sadness. “I swear, it’s not hopeless. Sasha and I have a plan and it will all turn out fine.”

I turn my head to look at him and his mouth is there. A slight brush of his lips against mine. I open for him and his tongue flicks in, searching for more contact. Caressing me.

He kisses me for real this time.

There’s no hesitation.

Only devouring.

He kisses me like he’s the wind. Like he’s the sea. Like he’s the desert.

He kisses me and he tastes like freedom.