That’s the point at which I go feral. The sobs wrack my whole body– violent, heaving waves that thrash at me and sharp wails that claw their way up my throat. I can’t see, can’t breathe, can’tthinkin a world without Quinn.
‘Florence.’
More accurately, I can’t exist in a world that is without Quinn because ofme.
‘Florence!’
Did I kill him because of my own selfishness? God, I suddenly understand why some vampires hibernate. I’m just wondering if it’s possible to stake yourself in the heart when Elias grabs my face between his hands and blows a sharp breath straight into my face.
My panic spiral splutters to an abrupt stop and I look at him in horror. ‘What the hell are you doing?’
‘I don’t know, I panicked!’ He visibly winces. ‘You were freaking out. I needed to break the cycle.’ His face relaxes, a corner of his mouth twitching into a tentative smile. ‘Hey, it worked.’
I grimace back at him. ‘Your breath smells like pork scratchings.’
This time he laughs. Actually laughs, at a time like this. I want to slap him.
‘That’s because I ate a packet before I came in here.’
‘Gross.’
‘Yeah.’ He huffs a breath of a laugh before his expression becomes serious again. ‘Florence,’ he repeats earnestly, his hands holding my face like it’s a basketball he’s about to shoot. ‘Give him time.’
He says it more slowly this time, his words infused with a confidence I don’t share. But I nod back at him anyway. Tears fill my eyes again, but more quietly, the edges of his face blurring. I’d give Quinn anything, I think, but I don’t say it. I just stare at Elias and try to calm the frantic buzz behind my ribs while his hands hold steady on my cheeks.
Neither of us notices when Quinn cracks one eye open.
‘Elias,’ he says calmly, making both me and Elias jump out of our skins. ‘I hope you’re not making a move on my girl?’
My gaze must break the sound barrier with the speed it snaps back to Quinn. He’s lying still on the sofa, one eye still closed and the biggest, most beautiful smile on his face.
‘You…’
I don’t even know what I’m trying to say.
You came back?
You scared the shit out of me?
You are the love of my life?
All three, maybe. All three and more, a riot of relief and joy that bubbles up through me and brings fresh tears to my eyes as I fling myself onto him.
‘I love you,’ I whisper, my face pressed into his chest. It’s more still than I’m used to, more silent, but he still feels like him, and he still smells like him and it’s enough.
What am I saying? It’s more than enough.
It’s everything.
His arms come around me slowly, but within seconds he’s rediscovered his strength and he’s pulling me in tight, hands grasping, mouth seeking. He kisses my neck, my cheekbone, my mouth. He whispers words of love into my skin over and over again as we burrow into each other.
Then there’s a small sigh. Someone clears their throat behind us.
‘I’m just gonna…’
‘Fuck, Elias!’ Quinn exclaims, and as we break apart, we tackle Elias from opposing sides, pulling him into a tight, three-way hug. His chest vibrates against my cheek as he laughs.
‘Thank you,’ I murmur. ‘Thankyouthankyouthankyou.’