"There," he breathed, his voice still a scrape, but now laced with warmth that filled the space between them. "Now I can see you properly."
Bella's cheeks flushed a soft pink. "Shh," she whispered, her thumb gently stroking his hand. "You need to rest. No talking."
His eyes, heavy but intent, held hers. He swallowed with effort, his voice a threadbare whisper.
"Kiss."
Bella's breath caught. He was too weak for anything, yet his entire being seemed focused on that one quiet request. She hesitated for only a second, her heart swelling with a fierce, protective love.
Slowly, she leaned in. She brushed her lips against his forehead, a touch as light as a breath, lingering there for a moment to feel the warmth of his skin. When she pulled back, his eyes were closed, a faint trace of peace smoothing the lines of pain from his face.
"Rest now," she murmured, her own lips still tingling from the contact.
