Part 25 (2/2)

”You were a hero today,” she said.

”No, not today, Melissa.”

Melissa gave him a confused look and Sebastian continued. ”Today, I was just a normal guy doing what was expected of him.

What any normal guy would probably have done in the same situation. But all those other days-the everyday days when your hours are long and things are tough, when I'm by your side and make you smile.... That's when I'm a real hero.”

She did what Sebastian had hoped she would. She smiled. A bright, gleaming smile that brought a rich, deep sapphire color to her wondrous eyes. She finally understood that he was there to stay. ”You saved me when you came into my life,” she said.

”Then we're even, ' cause you saved me, as well.”

Sebastian didn't wait for her answer. He scooped her up into his arms and took her to the bedroom.

Melissa slipped her arms around Sebastian's shoulders as he lay beside her on the bed. She ran her hand tenderly over the purplish bruise over his brow. Below it, two st.i.tches held closed the ragged cut inflicted by Sloan's blow. ”That's going to leave a scar.”

He brushed his lips against hers and said, ”Adds to the whole bad-boy mystique, don't you think?”

She smiled, and peace replaced the earlier sadness that had gripped her. With this man by her side, they could handle anything. In between kisses, she managed to say, ”The E.R. doctor said we should wake each other every couple of hours.”

He eased away from her, his grin broad. The dimple along his cheek deep. ”Sorry, no can do.”

Puzzled, Melissa asked, ”Why?”

Sebastian said nothing, just rolled her beneath him.

He didn't plan on letting her get any sleep.

Melissa could think of no better way to celebrate the start of their new life together.

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