Even though my body was attempting to divert ej's attention away from me, he persevered, and his embrace with me grew closer and more intense.

"Please, don't make me cry! Please! Stop!" After squeezing my neck and kissing it with one hand, he moved to kiss my thigh with the other. I gasped as his hand stopped my breath.

After a time, he said in hushed tones, "I'm not going to let you go, my sweetheart." When I turned my back to him, I closed my eyes and strengthened my grip on his hand, and he continued as before.

His tears rapidly dried on his cheeks and his inhaled a...