Today is the day I would tell her everything, the ache I often felt in my chest when looking at her. The way my skin sizzles with need from her touch alone. I wanted to tell her it all. The way. I felt for her was like a flower blooming among weeds.

She made me feel so… alive. It was odd to think about, but that's what she did to me. She made me better. I was no longer a walking zombie in this world ever since she came into my life. It felt like so long ago. She had walked into the coffee shop I worked at, a smile on her angelic face, her eyes bright and full of fire and love. She could take it all from me, and I would still love her with such force that the stars would collide and end us all before I accepted a loss of her.

Strange I know, but this is a once in a life time feeling, to love. It’s a rare thing, most take for granted… a lot of people poison the very value of love. Not me, though- when I find it, I preserve it. I hold it close to me. I would keep her close to me. Have her till death.

Marriage? Perhaps it’s been long enough that I would pop the question, but dating should go first, more than anything. I wasn’t about to hold her hostage in a wedding like the old days. Those men were insane, holding a poor girl to standards as such without letting her have a choice. No…. not my girl, I knew she wanted this. It was in her eyes. The same longing for love that I felt for her. The wilting petals that were ready to take in the water and nourishment of the love and affection she could offer me, like I could offer her.

As soon as I walked through the threshold of my house, I could smell her. Soft roses and vanilla. She made my house so much more inviting since she arrived.

Every step closer to her room had my heart beating.

Ever.

Ever.

That’s what my heartbeat sounded like, the drumming of her name on repeat as I made my way to her room, her smell stronger.

“Ever.” I called as I opened the door, and I was met with soft brown eyes. “Did you miss me, beautiful?”

I step in closer and crouch in front of her. Tilting my head to the side, that fire still raged in her gaze, and I couldn't help the smile.

“I need to tell you something.” I continued, not waiting for her to speak. “I’m in love with you.” I stood, and her gaze followed me. “I know it's stupid since it's only been a week, but- I needed to tell you that…. do you feel the same?”

I reached down and took the gag from her mouth.

“Who the hell are you?” She finally coughed out, and tears started to well up in the corners of her eyes.

“Ever.” I whisper, cupping her face. “I am yours as you are mine.”

Her sob racked her body. I sighed and slipped the gag into her mouth. Her arms stretched behind her back.

“Let's try again tomorrow.” I tsk and move out of the room, shutting the door behind me with her muffled sobs growing louder.”