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.

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

flared up,

it, Matthew clenched his teeth, summoning the last shred of self-control he had, and gently pushed

eyes locked onto his, a mix of pain and confusion burning in her

do you keep

Matthew speechless again, frozen

take no for an

herself back into Matthew’s arms, her grip tighter than

she pleaded, her voice trembling

me

this moment for a little while longer… I miss you

him, her tear-filled eyes glassy from the effects of the

in her gaze, making her seem even more vulnerable, even

Matthew’s resolve wavered.

couldn’t bear to turn her

his eyes and wrapped his arms

embrace, Stella breathed him in, intoxicated by his

a