Derek pulled her tightly against his broad chest. He buried his face deep into the crook of her neck, hiding his face in her dark, curly hair. He held her so firmly it almost lifted her off the stone floor. He needed to feel her body pressed against his. He needed to feel her chest moving. He needed to hear her heart beating.
Marissa gasped softly in surprise at the sudden, tight embrace. But she quickly raised her own arms and hugged him back. She rubbed her hands gently up and down his strong back, feeling the thick fabric of his uniform.
"Derek," Marissa asked softly, her voice filled with sudden concern. "Is everything alright?"
She felt his broad shoulders shaking. Then, she felt something wet and warm dropping onto the bare skin of her neck. She realized he was crying. The strong, untouchable Grand Duke was weeping in her arms.
