When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Stella slowly lifted her head and squinted at him.

When she saw the face she had been longing for day and night, she immediately assumed that she was dreaming.

She gave Matthew a goofy grin and brushed her fingertips across his cheek.

“It’s really you… It’s been so long since you last visited my dreams.

Don’t you love me anymore?”

And with that, Stella bawled her eyes out yet again.

She wrapped her arms around Matthew and held him tightly.

Nuzzling his chest, she murmured, “Yes, that’s it… It’s that familiar sound… Matthew’s heartbeat…”

Matthew froze, momentarily dazed.

His mind urged him to push Stella away, but his heart held firm, refusing to listen.

Stella only clung to him tighter, her soft curves melting into his chest, like she was trying to become one with him.

Matthew lost himself, his thoughts wandering back to that tender moment at the Clark family house, when he had held her close,

flared up, hot and

clenched his teeth, summoning the last shred of self-control

eyes locked onto his, a mix of pain and

do you

left Matthew speechless again,

wouldn’t take

threw herself back into Matthew’s arms, her grip

pleaded, her voice trembling

me away

let me enjoy this moment for a little while longer… I

up at him, her tear-filled eyes glassy

mix of innocence and longing in her gaze, making her seem even more vulnerable,

Matthew’s resolve wavered.

bear to turn her

closed his eyes

nestled back into his embrace, Stella breathed him in,

up, pressing a