I shiver again at his touch, arching into him as he kisses my neck. It feels so good to be wanted like this, to have someone who cares about how I feel and not just what they can get out of me. For a moment, I allow myself to imagine what it would be like to stay here with him...to have a real relationship where I'm cherished and protected.

But reality soon intrudes; my past has taught me that dreams like these never last.

As he deepens the kiss, I feel myself losing control, giving in to the desire and need to be close to him. His touch sends shivers down my spine, making me forget everything but this moment. For just a little while, I allow myself to believe that maybe...just maybe...I can trust him enough to let go of my guard.

As the days pass, Cheri finds herself slowly opening up to him about her troubled past. She tells him stories of her abusive father and how it shaped her into the person she is today. He listens patiently, never once judging or interrupting her. Instead, he offers words of comfort and support, making her feel safe in ways no one else ever has.

One night, after they've made love again (and again), she curls up against him, her head resting on his chest. "

Her heart skips a beat at his confession, and for a moment she's too stunned to respond. It's been so long since anyone has said those words to her... but with him, it feels different. Real. She looks up at him through her lashes, wondering if she could possibly feel the same way.

Before she can say anything else, he kisses her softly, and they drift off to sleep entwined together like two halves of a whole.