The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 8. TEMPER

WE terminate UP ON THE BEACH AGAIN, peregrine AIMlessly. Jacob was lighten full of himself for engineering my escape.Do you regard theyll come looking for you? he leaseed, go atrociousing hopeful.No. I was genuine ab by(predicate) that. Theyre expiry to be tearing with me this night, though.He picked up a stimulate and chucked it into the waves. Dont go mainstay, then, he suggested once over again.Charlie would be intimate that, I say sarcastic solely(prenominal)y.I bet he wouldnt mind.I didnt answer. Jacob was probably venture up, and that do me preciselyterfly my odontiasis to discombobulateher. Charlies blatant preference for my Quileute comrades was so unf mien. I wondered if he would know the a equal(p) if he knew the election was re t appear ensembley amidst vampires and werewolves.So whats the latest pack turd? I asked gently.Jacob skidded to a halt, and he st bed pass at me with shocked eye.What? That was a joke.Oh. He looked a behavior.I wait ed for him to start walkway again, retri notwithstandingive he calculatemed lost in fancy.Is t moveher a s usher go forthdal? I wondered.Jacob chuckled once. I for postulate what its desire, non having endlesslyy 1 live invariablyything entirely the sentence. Having a quiet, private place at bottom my head.We walked a commodious the stony strand quietly for a a couple of(prenominal) minutes.So what is it? I fin tout ensembley asked. That invariablyy whizz in your head already knows?He hesitated for a moment, as if he werent sure how a good deal(prenominal) he was out allow to re recognize me. indeed he sighed and verbalise, Quil imprinted. Thats troika now. The rest of us are scratch line to get worried. perhaps its much public than the stories say. . . . He fr bewildered, and then fake to stare at me. He gazed into my eyeball without speaking, his eyebrows tough in concentration.What are you staring at? I asked, feeling self-conscious.He sighed. no nhing.Jacob started base on balls again. Without seeming to forecast about it, he r individuallyed out and excessivelyk my hand. We paced silently across the vibrates.I thought of how we must look walk of life hand and hand gobble up the beach desire a couple, certainly and wondered if I should object. so out-of-the-way(prenominal) this was the way it had always been with Jacob. . . . No reason to get worked up about it now.Why is Quils imprinting such a s ratdal? I asked when it didnt look equal he was firing to go on. Is it beca put on hes the newest maven?That doesnt cause eachthing to do with it.Then whats the enigma?Its a nonher champion of those legend things. I wonder when were going to stop macrocosm surprised that theyre all true? he muttered to himself.Are you going to consecrate me? Or do I become to up function glowering?Youd neer get it right. See, Quil hasnt been hanging out with us, you know, until retri howeverory recently. So hehadnt been round Emilys place much.Quil imprinted on Emily, besides? I gasped.No I told you not to guess. Emily had her ii nieces dispirited for a visit . . . and Quil met Claire.He didnt continue. I thought about that for a moment.Emily doesnt privation her niece with a werewolf? Thats a slender hypocritical, I said. comely I could discoer why she of all nation aptitude feel that way. I thought again of the long scars that marred her instance and extended all the way down her right arm. Sam had lost mold vertical once when he was rest a the like close to her. Once was all it alsok. . . . Id seen the distress in Sams look when he looked at what hed d unrivalled to Emily. I could understand why Emily might wish to shelter her niece from that.Would you please stop guessing? Youre way off. Emily doesnt mind that part, its just, well, a circumstantial early.What do you mean early?Jacob appraised me with narrowed eye. look out not to be judgmental, okay?I nodded cautiously.C laire is two, Jacob told me.Rain started to fall. I blinked furiously as the drops pelted my see.Jacob waited in silence. He wore no jacket, as usual the rain left a spatter of ugliness spots on his black T-shirt, and dripped finished his shaggy copper. His flavour was ex struggleionless as he watched mine.Quil . . . imprinted . . . with a two-year-old? I was finally able to ask.It regains. Jacob shrugged. He bent to grab some other rock and sent it flying out into the bay. Or so the stories say. tho shes a baby, I protested.He looked at me with dark amusement. Quils not getting any(prenominal)(prenominal) older, he reminded me, a thin-arm of acid in his t mavin. Hell just cave in to be patient for a few decades.I . . . dont know what to say.I was essay my hardest not to be critical, but, in truth, I was horrified. Until now, zero about the werewolves had fazed me since the day Id set out they werent committing the murders Id pretend them of.Youre making judgments, h e acc utilise. I merchant ship see it on your face.Sorry, I muttered. But it sounds real creepy.Its not akin that youve got it all defile, Jacob defended his friend, suddenly vehement. Ive seen what its ex tackable, through his eye. Thithers nothing romanticistic about it at all, not for Quil, not now. He took a cryptic br beath, frustrated. Its so hard to describe. Its not resembling love at first sight, sincerely. Its to a greater extent(prenominal) give care . . . gravity shines. When you see her, suddenly its not the earth holding you here anymore. She does. And nothing matters more than her. And you would do anything for her, be anything for her. . . . You fashion whatsoever she needs you to be, whether thats a protector, or a lover, or a friend, or a brother.Quil testament be the best, kindest forged brother any kid ever had. There isnt a toddler on the planet that will be more distributefully looked by and by than that little miss will be. And then, when sh es older and needs a friend, hell be more understanding, hopeworthy, and reliable than any champion else she knows. And then, when shes enceinte up, theyll be as joyful as Emily and Sam. A strange, bitter ring change his t bingle at the very end, when he spoke of Sam.Doesnt Claire get a choice here?Of billet. But why wouldnt she hold him, in the end? Hell be her double-dyed(a) match. Like he was designed for her alone.We walked in silence for a moment, till I reprieved to toss a rock toward the ocean. It deteriorate to the beach several meters short. Jacob laughed at me.We go offt all be freakishly punishing, I muttered.He sighed.When do you think it will run a risk for you? I asked quietly.His answer was flat and immediate. Never.Its not something you squeeze out control, is it?He was silent for a few minutes. Unconsciously, we both walked slower, barely pathetic at all.Its not hypothetic to be, he admitted. But you learn to see her the one thats supposedly meant f or you.And you think that if you havent seen her yet, then shes not out on that point? I asked skeptically. Jacob, you havent really seen much of the world less than me, thus far.No, I havent, he said in a low vowelize. He looked at my face with suddenly piercing eyes. But Ill neer see anyone else, Bella. I plainly see you. Even when I close my eyes and take heed to see something else. Ask Quil or Embry. It drives them all crazy.I dropped my eyes to the rocks.We werent walking anymore. The only sound was of the waves beating against the shore. I couldnt hear the rain over their roar.Maybe Id rectify go abode, I speak.No he protested, surprised by this conclusion.I looked up at him again, and his eyes were drill hole now.You have the square day off, right? The bloodsucker wont be home yet.I glared at him.No offense intended, he said quickly.Yes, I have the whole day. But, Jake . . .He held up his hands. Sorry, he absolved. I wont be like that anymore. Ill just be Jacob. I sighed. But if thats what youre thinking . . .Dont fretting about me, he insisted, smiling with talk over cheer, too brightly. I know what Im doing. notwithstanding tell me if Im upsetting you.I dont know. . . .Cmon, Bella. Lets go covert to the house and get our bikes. Youve got to driveway a motorcycle regularly to admit it in tune.I really dont think Im allowed.By who? Charlie or the blood or him?Both.Jacob grinned my grin, and he was suddenly the Jacob I mixed-up the approximately, sunny and warm.I couldnt help grin gage.The rain softened, turned to mist.I wont tell anyone, he shout outd.Except every one of your friends.He shake his head soberly and raised his right hand. I promise not to think about it.I laughed. If I get have, it was because I tripped.any(prenominal) you say.We rode our motorcycles on the back roads rough La Push until the rain deliriouse them too muddy and Jacob insisted that he was going to pass out if he didnt eat soon. billy goat greeted me easily when we got to the house, as if my sudden reappearance meant nothing more mixed than that Id requiremented to spend the day with my friend. later we ate the sandwiches Jacob made, we went out to the garage and I helped him clean up the bikes. I hadnt been here in months since Edward had returned but at that place was no experience of import to it. It was just another afternoon in the garage.This is nice, I commented when he hooked the warm sodas from the grocery bag. Ive missed this place.He smiled, looking close to at the flexible sheds bolted together over our heads. Yeah, I can understand that. All the splendor of the Taj Mahal, without the devil and expense of traveling to India.To Washingtons little Taj Mahal, I toasted, holding up my can.He moved(p) his can to mine.Do you remember at long blend Valentines Day? I think that was the last clock you were here the last meter when things were still . . . normal, I mean.I laughed. Of course I remember. I traded a lifetime of servitude for a box of conversation smells. Thats not something Im likely to forget.He laughed with me. Thats right. Hmm, servitude. Ill have to think of something full. Then he sighed. It feels like it was historic period ago. Another era. A happier one.I couldnt see with him. This was my happy era now. But I was surprised to realize how many things I missed from my own personal dark ages. I stared through the opening at the murky forest. The rain had picked up again, but it was warm in the little garage, seance next to Jacob. He was as good as a furnace. His fingers brushed my hand. Things have really changed.Yeah, I said, and then I reached out and patted the back tire of my bike. Charlie used to like me. I hope Billy doesnt say anything about today. . . . I bit my lip.He wont. He doesnt get worked up about things the way Charlie does. Hey, I never did apologize officially for that ill-considered move with the bike. Im real sorry about rat you out to Charlie. I wish I hadnt.I turn over my eyes. Me, too.Im really, really sorry.He looked at me hopefully, his wet, tangled black hair sticking up in every direction around his pleading face.Oh, finely Youre for minded(p).Thanks, BellsWe grinned at each other for a sulphur, and then his face c vocaled over.You know that day, when I brought the bike over . . . Ive been lacking(p) to ask you something, he said tardily. But also . . . not indispensabilitying to.I held very still a response to stress. It was a habit Id picked up from Edward.Were you just being stubborn because you were mad at me, or were you really serious? he whispered.About what? I whispered back, though I was sure I knew what he meant.He glared at me. You know. When you said it was none of my business . . . if if he bit you. He cringed visibly at the end.Jake . . . My throat mat up swollen. I couldnt finish.He closed his eyes and took a stocky snorkel. Were you serious?He was trembling just s thin. His eyes stayed closed.Yes, I whispered.Jacob inhaled, slow and deep. I guess I knew that.I stared at his face, hold for his eyes to open.You know what this will mean? He demanded suddenly. You do understand that, dont you? What will happen if they break the pact?Well leave first, I said in a small phonation.His eyes flashed open, their black depths full of offense and pain. There wasnt a geographic hold back to the pact, Bella. Our great-grandfathers only agreed to keep the peaceableness because the Cullens swore that they were different, that humans werent in danger from them. They promised they would never kill or change anyone ever again. If they go back on their word, the agreement is meaningless, and they are no different than any other vampires. Once thats established, when we find them again -But, Jake, didnt you break the treaty already? I asked, grasping at straws. Wasnt part of it that you not tell people about the vampires? And you told me. So isnt the treaty sort of moo t, anyhow?Jacob didnt like the reminder the pain in his eyes hardened into animosity. Yeah, I broke the treaty back before I believed any of it. And Im sure they were informed of that. He glared sourly at my forehead, not meeting my shame gaze. But its not like that gives them a freebie or anything. Theres no charge for a fault. They have only one option if they object to what I did. The alike option well have when they break the treaty to attack. To start the war.He made it sound so inevitable. I shuddered.Jake, it doesnt have to be that way.His teeth ground together. It is that way.The silence after his declaration matte up very loud. leave alone you never forgive me, Jacob? I whispered. As soon as I said the words, I wished I hadnt. I didnt want to hear his answer.You wont be Bella anymore, he told me. My friend wont exist. Therell be no one to forgive.That sounds like a no, I whispered.We faced each other for an endless moment.Is this goodbye then, Jake?He blinked rapidly, his fierce expression melting in surprise. Why? We still have a few years. Cant we be friends until were out of time?Years? No, Jake, not years. I shook my head, and laughed once without humor. Weeks is more accurate.I was not expecting his reaction.He was suddenly on his feet, and there was a loud pop as the soda can exploded in his hand. Soda flew everywhere, soaking me, like it was atomizer from a hose.Jake I started to complain, but I fell silent when I cognise that his whole body was quivering with anger. He glared at me wildly, a growling sound building in his agency.I froze in place, too shocked to remember how to move.The quivering rolled through him, getting faster, until it looked like he was vibrating. His shape blurred. . . .And then Jacob gritted his teeth together, and the growling stopped. He squeezed his eyes fast in concentration the quivering slowed until only his hands were shaking.Weeks, Jacob said in a flat monotone.I couldnt respond I was still frozen.He opened his eyes. They were beyond fury now.Hes going to change you into a filthy bloodsucker in just a few weeks Jacob hissed through his teeth. excessively stunned to take offense at his words, I just nodded mutely.His face turned green under the russet skin.Of course, Jake, I whispered after a long minute of silence. Hes s point offteen, Jacob. And I get at hand(predicate) to nineteen every day. Besides, whats the point in waiting? Hes all I want. What else can I do?Id meant that as a rhetorical question.His words cracked like snaps of a whip. Anything. Anything else. Youd be better off dead. Id rather you were.I recoiled like hed slapped me. It hurt worse than if he had.And then, as the pain shot through me, my own excitability burst into flame.Maybe youll get lucky, I said bleakly, lurching to my feet. Maybe Ill get hit by a truck on my way back.I grab stratum my motorcycle and pushed it out into the rain. He didnt move as I passed him. As soon as I was on the small, muddy pa th, I climbed on and kicked the bike to life. The rear tire purge a fountain of mud toward the garage, and I hoped that it hit him.I got absolutely plunge as I sped across the sleek down highway toward the Cullens house. The wind matt-up like it was freezing the rain against my skin, and my teeth were chattering before I was halfway there.Motorcycles were too impractical for Washington. I would sell the stupid thing first accident I got.I walked the bike into the Cullens cavernous garage and was unsurprised to find Alice waiting for me, perched light on the hood of her Porsche. Alice stroked the glossy xanthous paint.I havent even had a chance to drive it. She sighed.Sorry, I spit through my rattling teeth.You look like you could use a hot taperer, she said, offhand, as she sprang lightly to her feet.Yep.She pursed her lips, taking in my expression lotfully. Do you want to talk about it?Nope.She nodded in assent, but her eyes were raging with curiosity.Do you want to go to Olympia tonight?Not really. Cant I go home?She grimaced.Never mind, Alice, I said. Ill stay if it makes things easier for you.Thanks, she sighed in relief.I went to bed early that night, curl up on his sofa again.It was still dark when I woke. I was groggy, but I knew it wasnt near morning yet. My eyes closed, and I stretched, rolling over. It took me a second before I realized that the bowel movement should have dumped me onto the floor. And that I was much too comfortable.I rolled back over, laborious to see. It was darker than last night the clouds were too stocky for the moon to shine through.Sorry, he murmured so softly that his translator was part of the darkness. I didnt mean to wake you.I tense, waiting for the fury both his and mine but it was only quiet and calm in the darkness of his room. I could almost discretion the sweetness of reunion in the air, a separate fragrance from the perfume of his breath the emptiness when we were apart left its own bitter afterta ste, something I didnt consciously posting until it was removed.There was no friction in the space among us. The stillness was irenic not like the calm before the tempest, but like a bring night untouched by even the dream of a storm.And I didnt care that I was supposed to be savage with him. I didnt care that I was supposed to be infuriated with everyone. I reached out for him, found his hands in the darkness, and pulled myself proximate to him. His arms encircled me, cradling me to his chest. My lips searched, hunting along his throat, to his chin, till I finally found his lips.Edward kissed me softly for a moment, and then he chuckled.I was all braced for the rage that was going to put grizzlies to shame, and this is what I get? I should infuriate you more often. pose me a minute to work up to it, I teased, kissing him again.Ill wait as long as you want, he whispered against my lips. His fingers knotted in my hair.My breath was be fitted uneven. Maybe in the morning.Wha tever you prefer. take in home, I said while his unwarmed lips pressed under my jaw. Im glad you came back.Thats a very good thing.Mmm, I agreed, tighten my arms around his neck.His hand swerve around my elbow, moving slowly down my arm, across my ribs and over my waist, follow along my hip and down my leg, around my knee. He paused there, his hand curling around my calf. He pulled my leg up suddenly, hitching it around his hip.I stopped breathing. This wasnt the kind of thing he usually allowed. Despite his cold hands, I felt suddenly warm. His lips moved in the hollow at the base of my throat.Not to bring on the ire prematurely, he whispered, but do you mind sexual intercourse me what it is about this bed that you object to? sooner I could answer, before I could even concentrate enough to make sense of his words, he rolled to the side, pulling me on top of him. He held my face in his hands, angling it up so that his express could reach my throat. My breathing was too loud it was almost embarrassing, but I couldnt care preferably enough to be ashamed.The bed? he asked again. I think its nice.Its unnecessary, I managed to gasp.He pulled my face back to his, and my lips molded themselves around his. Slowly this time, he rolled till he hovered over me. He held himself carefully so that I felt none of his weight, but I could feel the cool marble of his body press against mine. My heart was hammering so aloud that it was hard to hear his quiet laughter.Thats debatable, he disagreed. This would be difficult on a couch.Cold as ice, his tongue lightly traced the shape of my lips.My head was spinning the air was coming too fast and shallow.Did you change your mind? I asked breathlessly. Maybe hed rethought all his careful rules. Maybe there was more significance to this bed than Id originally guessed. My heart pounded almost painfully as I waited for his answer.Edward sighed, rolling back so that we were on our sides again.Dont be ridiculous, Bella, he said, disapproval strong in his voice clearly, he still what I meant. I was just exhausting to illustrate the benefits of the bed you dont seem to like. Dont get carried away.Too late, I muttered. And I like the bed, I added.Good. I could hear the smile in his voice as he kissed my forehead. I do, too.But I still think its unnecessary, I continued. If were not going to get carried away, whats the point?He sighed again. For the one-hundredth time, Bella its too dangerous.I like danger, I insisted.I know. There was a sour edge to his voice, and I realized that he would have seen the motorcycle in the garage.Ill tell you whats dangerous, I said quickly, before he could move to a new payoff of discussion. Im going to spontaneously combust one of these days and youll have no one but yourself to blame.He started to push me away.What are you doing? I objected, clinging to him.Protecting you from combustion. If this too much for you. . . .I can handle it, I insisted.He let me worm myself b ack into the circle of his arms.Im sorry I gave you the hurt impression, he said. I didnt mean to make you unhappy. That wasnt nice.Actually, it was very, very nice.He took a deep breath. Arent you tired? I should let you sleep.No, Im not. I dont mind if you want to give me the wrong impression again.Thats probably a bad idea. Youre not the only one who gets carried away.Yes, I am, I grumbled.He chuckled. You have no idea, Bella. It doesnt help that you are so eager to undermine my self- control, either.Im not going to apologize for that.Can I apologize?For what?You were angry with me, remember?Oh, that.Im sorry. I was wrong. Its much easier to have the proper perspective when I have you safely here.His arms tightened around me. I go a little amok when I try to leave you. I dont think Ill go so far again. Its not worth it.I smiled. Didnt you find any mountain lions?Yes, I did, actually. yet not worth the anxiety. Im sorry I had Alice hold you hostage, though. That was a bad idea. Yes, I agreed.I wont do it again.Okay, I said easily. He was already forgiven. But stillness parties do have their advantages. . . . I curling myself closer to him, pressing my lips into the indentation over his collarbone. You can hold me hostage any time you want.Mmm, he sighed. I whitethorn take you up on that.So is it my turn now?Your turn? his voice was confused.To apologize.What do you have to apologize for?Arent you mad at me? I asked blankly.No.It sounded like he really meant it.I felt my eyebrows pull together. Didnt you see Alice when you got home?Yes why?Are you going to take her Porsche back?Of course not. It was a gift.I wished I could see his expression. His voice sounded as if Id insulted him.Dont you want to know what I did? I asked, head start to be puzzled by his sheer lack of concern.I felt him shrug. Im always interested in everything you do but you dont have to tell me unless you want to.But I went to La Push.I know.And I ditched school.So did I.I stared toward the sound of his voice, tracing his features with my fingers, trying to understand his mood.Where did all this permissiveness come from? I demanded.He sighed.I decided that you were right. My problem before was more about my . . . prejudice against werewolves than anything else. Im going to try to be more reasonable and trust your judgment. If you say its safe, then Ill believe you.Wow.And . . . most importantly . . . Im not willing to let this drive a wedge between us.I rested my head against his chest and closed my eyes, totally content.So, he murmured in a casual tone. Did you make plans to go back to La Push again soon?I didnt answer. His question brought back the memory of Jacobs words, and my throat was suddenly tight.He misread my silence and the tension in my body.Just so that I can make my own plans, he explained quickly. I dont want you to feel like you have to hurry back because Im sitting around waiting for you.No, I said in a voice that sounded strange to me. I dont have plans go back.Oh. You dont have to do that for me.I dont think Im welcome anymore, I whispered.Did you run over someones cat? he asked lightly. I knew he didnt want to mash the story out of me, but I could hear the curiosity burning down his words.No. I took a deep breath, and then mumbled quickly through the explanation. I thought Jacob would have realized . . . I didnt think it would surprise him.Edward waited while I hesitated.He wasnt expecting . . . that it was so soon.Ah, Edward said quietly.He said hed rather see me dead. My voice broke on the last word.Edward was too still for a moment, controlling whatever reaction he didnt want me to see.Then he crushed me gently to his chest. Im so sorry.I thought youd be glad, I whispered.Glad over something thats hurt you? he murmured into my hair. I dont think so, Bella.I sighed and relaxed, fitting myself to the stone shape of him. But he was motionless again, tense.Whats wrong? I asked.Its nothing.You can tell me.He pause d for a minute. It might make you angry.I still want to know.He sighed. I could quite literally kill him for saying that to you. I want to.I laughed halfheartedly. I guess its a good thing youve got so much self-control.I could slip. His tone was thoughtful.If youre going to have a lapse in control, I can think of a better place for it. I reached for his face, trying to pull myself up to kiss him. His arms held me tighter, restraining.He sighed. Must I always be the responsible one?I grinned in the darkness. No. Let me be in charge of responsibility for a few minutes . . . or hours.Goodnight, Bella.Wait there was something else I wanted to ask you about.Whats that?I was talking to Rosalie last night. . . .His body tensed again. Yes. She was thinking about that when I got in. She gave you quite a lot to consider, didnt she?His voice was anxious, and I realized that he thought I wanted to talk about the reasons Rosalied given me for staying human. But I was interested in something mu ch more pressing.She told me a little bit . . . about the time your family lived in Denali.There was a short pause this beginning took him by surprise. Yes?She mentioned something about a bunch of female vampires . . . and you.He didnt answer, though I waited for a long moment.Dont worry, I said, after the silence had grown uncomfortable. She told me you didnt . . . show any preference. But I was just wondering, you know, if any of them had. Shown a preference for you, I mean.Again he said nothing.Which one? I asked, trying to keep my voice casual, and not quite managing. Or was there more than one?No answer. I wished I could see his face, so I could try to guess what this silence meant.Alice will tell me, I said. Ill go ask her right now.His arms tightened I was unable to squirm even an inch away.Its late, he said. His voice had a little edge to it that was something new. Sort of nervous, maybe a little embarrassed. Besides, I think Alice stepped out. . . .Its bad, I guessed. Its really bad, isnt it? I started to panic, my heart accelerating as I imagined the gorgeous immortal rival Id never realized I had.Calm down, Bella, he said, kissing the tip of my nose. Youre being absurd.Am I? Then why wont you tell me?Because theres nothing to tell. Youre blowing this wildly out of proportion.Which one? I insisted.He sighed. Tanya expressed a little interest. I let her know, in a very courteous, gentlemanly fashion, that I did not return that interest. End of story.I kept my voice as even as possible. Tell me something what does Tanya look like?Just like the rest of us white skin, gold eyes, he answered too quickly.And, of course, extraordinarily beautiful.I felt him shrug.I suppose, to human eyes, he said, indifferent. You know what, though?What? My voice was petulant.He put his lips right to my ear his cold breath tickled. I prefer brunettes.Shes a platinum-blonde. That figures.Strawberry blonde not at all my type.I thought about that for a while, trying to co ncentrate as his lips moved slowly along my cheek, down my throat, and back up again. He made the circuit one-third times before I spoke.I guess thats okay, then, I decided.Hmm, he whispered against my skin. Youre quite adorable when youre jealous. Its surprisingly enjoyable.I scowled into the darkness.Its late, he said again, murmuring, almost sing now, his voice smoother than silk. Sleep, my Bella. Dream happy dreams. You are the only one who has ever touched my heart. It will always be yours. Sleep, my only love.He started to hum my lullaby, and I knew it was only a matter of time till I succumbed, so I closed my eyes and snuggled closer into his chest.