32

Stefan

I woke at my usual time, three o'clock in the morning, and lay listening to Veronica sleep, her naked body pressed against mine. I opened my hand wide on her belly, holding as much of her as I could.

Last night had been good. Better than I expected. The physical attraction between us was mutual, but there was more than that. I wanted to hold on to it, to that thing, whatever it was. I knew it was important.

And impermanent.

Because I couldn't have that, and the reason I'd done this in the first place. It was one or the other.

The old man's test only strengthened my resolve.

I couldn't forget why I was doing this. Why she was here.

I wouldn't.

Rolling over onto my back, I stared up at the sliver of moonlight that slipped between the split in the curtains and streaked the ceiling. Veronica made a sound, and for a moment I thought I'd woken her, but then she curled up against me, the top of her head burrowing into me, her body hugging into itself, little fists and knees close. Unm