Chapter 44

                                    

                                          

Colton POV
The light suddenly surges towards me, and I quickly close my eyes and put my arms up to shield me from whatever is coming as fear rushes through me.  
My body feels heavy, and I'm not able to move much.  The constant faint beeping of some machine annoys me.  The smell of disinfectant fills my nose. 
What has happened to me?  Am I back?
My eyes flutter and slowly open.  Kimmon's handsome and concerned face is the first thing I see as everything comes into view.  He leans forward and stares at me.  "Colton?  Are you finally awake?"
I lick my chapped lips and stare back at him.  
Did I come back to reality?  
My mouth feels like I haven't had anything to drink in weeks.  I smack my lips while I try to figure out whether I'm dreaming or this is real.  
Kimmon moves closer to me and picks up my hand.  His warmth engulfs me while those amazing tingles, which I never want to lose again, shoot through my palm and up my arm.  
A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth.  
Pain still circles around my heart, but it is more of a dull ache now.  
Even though my throat is scratchy, I choke out, "I'm awake."  As soon as the words cut through my throat, I wish I hadn't said anything.  
Pain shoots through me like I had just swallowed knives.  
He shakes his head.  "Don't say anything else.  Let me get you some water, and you can have a drink first."  
He rushes out of the room, and, with his leave, he takes his warmth, too.  
My heart longs for it to return soon.
I glance down at my hand.  
Kimmon dashes back into the room with a full glass of water in his hand.  "Here.  Let me help you."  He sets the glass down on the nightstand and wraps his arms around me.  
My mind goes blank.  
The warmth I had lost only moments ago wraps around me and soothes me.
I bite my lower lip as a moan threatens to erupt from me.  
I don't fight the excitement or the thrill of him being close.  Instead, I savor it.  The moon goddess' words linger at the back of my mind, and I know what I'm actually risking if I keep pushing him away.  
Deep down, though, I don't think Kimmon would have ever given up trying to win me over.  
He cradles me in his arm while he grabs the glass of water.  "Take small sips.  I don't want you to choke on it."
I nod and take a brief moment to stare up at his handsome face.  His dark brown eyes with their tender gaze make me lost in them for a moment before I snap back to reality and take a small sip.  
The cool water almost evaporates as soon as it hits my parched throat and provides little comfort.  I lick my chapped lips and take another sip.  
Kimmon asks, "Do you feel better now?"
I nod. "Yes."  This time, the word doesn't burn against my throat.  
His face lights up, and he smiles at me.  "Good.  Do I need to go get the doctor?"
I shake my head.  "No."  
I cup the glass with my trembling hands and take it from him before taking another sip.