Chapter 39 - Chapter 38

# Chapter 38
VUSI

Ayanda looks peaceful in her sleep.

Gone are the tense muscles and the slight hitch in her breath when she fights her anxiety. Her soft inhales pull at my chest—a reminder that I can't stay away.

Seated in the armchair in the corner of her room, I rest my elbows on my thighs, shrouded by shadows, rubbing two fingers over my lips in a soothing motion while watching her. The truth is that Ayanda brings me to my damn knees. I never knew the type of fear she brings out in me. The fear of hurting her, or even worse, seeing disappointment cloud her beautiful eyes. That's all I've ever been—a disappointment.

Not good enough.

Ayanda stirs and whimpers in her sleep, making every muscle in my body tense. I hold my breath until hers slows once more, and the pull inside me reels me in like a fish on a hook.

Rising to my feet, I walk closer to her bed while carefully avoiding the creaky floorboards.

Outside, the rain patters softly on the window, but I'm too transfixed by the woman who has somehow dug her sharp nails into my heart.

The quilt pools around her waist, revealing a hint of flesh where her vest meets her cotton shorts, and my fingers tingle to feel her smooth skin. Squeeze it until my fingerprints leave lasting marks.

My mouth is dry, so I swallow, but the thirst can't be quenched. Not until I taste her again.

I trail my fingertips over the curve of her waist along the hem of her vest. She's warm and soft and so fucking perfect. She's also fragile, like glass.