Her face brushed against my neck, her lips parted open, and her breath felt unsteady. “I want you to touch me,” she whispered slowly in my ears, her voice barely audible.

I stiffened slightly as I heard her words. “Valerie…”

She lifted her head. Her eyes looked foggy, but not lost. “I mean it.”

“You don’t know what you’re asking.” I shook my head.

“I do.” She nodded her head firmly, despite having only a little strength in her body.

“You’re not yourself right ...