I don't think I can answer his question. Rafe leans closer, and I tilt my head back so I can keep looking him in the eyes.

"Did you want me to kiss you?" he asks again, his voice even lower than before. "Do you?"

My hand seems to rise on its own, my fingers grazing the thin fabric of his shirt. They finally come to rest on the side of his throat. His skin is so warm, pulsing with life.

It's been so long since I had real human contact. And he's so ...