Zylon stirred awake the following morning, and a smile spread across his face as soon as our eyes met.

"Good morning," I greeted him. He tried to sit up but groaned in pain. 

"Careful, you're still healing," I said gently, pushing him back down onto the mattress. 

"I wanted to kiss you," he replied, his voice hoarse. I leaned in carefully, making sure that no part of me touched him as I lowered myself to kiss him passionately. I smiled down at him afterward.

"How do you feel?" I asked.

"Like ...