Sixty two

RAPHAEL BATISTA POV

Scarlet let out a harsh sob and then pressed her forehead against my chest, so I kissed her on the back of the neck in an effort to soothe her.

“Talk to me, baby, tell me what you need me to do” I urged.

Scarlet relaxed as if the endearment was a balm to her soul, then she went quiet for several beats before she met my gaze. “I ache,” she said softly. “I burn and I can’t… I can’t make it go away on my own. I've tried...” she trailed off, the color on her cheeks darkening.

It took me a few painfully long seconds to understand what she was trying to tell me. She couldn’t make herself come.

“Oh God, Scarlet, I’m so sorry,” I said as I lifted her head up and pressed kisses along her temple, then her cheeks, and finally her mouth. “I’ll take care of you,” I said as I began ramping the kisses back up.

“Raphael” she called, her voice hitching. "I... I..."

“What?” I urged gently when I saw a bit of fear still lurking in her eyes.

“I don’t think I can… go all the way