Her reply came muffled against his chest, soft and uncertain. "Umm…"
He tilted his head, pretending not to hear, his fingers drawing slow circles at the base of her neck. "What was that, Bella? I can't understand you."
Her lashes trembled. "Yes… help me," she whispered, her voice barely a breath.
His smile deepened, dark, satisfied. His hand slid behind her neck, tilting her face upward until her dazed eyes met his. They were glassy and wet, pupils wide and glimmering like liquid. For a heartbeat, he just looked at her, watching the helpless vulnerability written across her face. Then he leaned down and captured her lips.
