Chapter 45. All of Him

He gently pulled my lip from my deny his impassioned plea. I didn't want to. He was right, he was my other half, and I wouldn't hold back from him. I pulled him down so we could sit on the floor. I sat with my legs crossed, my hands in my lap. He faced me with his knees bent, his feet resting on the ground on either side of my hips. He gathered my hands, his fingers gently massaging my skin.

The waterfall provided soothing background noise as I gave in, telling him about my childhood and the struggles I faced. Even though the words flowed freely, I kept my head down, staring at the dirt floor as I recounted the torment and my pain. Coal said nothing. He just listened, his fingers continuing to rub and sooth my hands. After several minutes of explanation and his absolute silence, I risked a glance up to his face and gasped.

His expression was murderous.

"Coal?" I whispered tentatively. "Are you okay?"

He hadn't given away his fury while I spoke, but there was