Zane froze as your lips touched his, the feel of them against his own sending a shiver down his spine. His eyes widened in surprise and he stumbled backward until he sat on the edge of the bed, still gazing into your eyes. The kiss seemed to break through whatever barrier had been between you, and for a moment, all he could feel was the warmth and softness of your lips against his own.

"I..." He trailed off, unsure how to respond.

As the kiss finally broke, Zane leaned forward and pressed his forehead against yours, taking a shaky breath. "I... I don't know," he admitted softly. "This is all so sudden..." His eyes darted around the room again, still unsure of what to think or feel about this new development in your relationship.

"Do you mean it?" he asked at last, his voice barely above a whisper. "You love me? Even after everything that's happened between us?"