He continued to speak, his voice flowing like water. "You are very important to me, Holly, and I vow on my life to protect you."

I kept my eyes shut tight. I didn't dare even look at him. How could he say such things? Would he really die to keep me safe?

"En tsurekomu anata ni boku no itonami..." He said softly.

"I..."

"Destiny has brought you into my life." He translated. "I will not allow harm to come to you."

His hand still cradled my chin, his thumb gently stroking the skin beneath my eye, wiping away the tears. I could sense him slowly leaning toward me, brushing the strands of curly hair away from my temple. I felt the warmth of his mouth as it met mine, the soft fur of his face caressing my cheek. He let his hand drop from my chin, trailing it lightly down my throat to rest at the back of my neck, his lips very gently pressing into mine. He kissed me so tenderly, I went limp in his embrace, melting like butter.

I knew nothing but warmth and need and passion. I felt myself falling, my lips parting, seeking his. His heated breath on my face. His grip on me tightening. The world spun dizzily around me. For the briefest of moments, I felt safe, engulfed in love and affection, like nothing could ever hurt me again.

My head reeled, and I was forced back to reality. I pulled away quickly and stared at him in shock. I was completely speechless.

His eyes were filled with shame and surprise as he stared at me. "I...apologize. I have never--I do not know what came over me..."

I glanced down at my hands, feeling very uneasy and awkward. Had what I thought just happened really happened? A million thoughts and emotions raced through me at once, and I backed away, unable to look at him.

"Holly?" A hint of concern filled his voice.

"I...I have to go." I breathed. I needed time to think, to try to decipher what I was feeling in that moment. Lightheaded, I left the futon quickly, not daring to look back as I hurried from the room.