Chapter 17

Shane didn’t expect Carmen to fall into her arms but, when it happened, she felt grateful and thanked all the Gods above. What was evident was that Carmen needed reassurance, love and a scorching heat to feel alive and really safe. And Shane was obviously the only person able to give her all that she needed.

Carmen looked into Shane’s eyes and Shane caught a glimpse, behind those puffed and reddened orbs. That glimpse was home, and Carmen didn’t need to tell anything, or to do anything but take Shane’s hand, stand up and gently drag her to the bedroom.

The bedroom was dark. The night was clear, quiet. The sheets were white and tidy and clean.

Carmen and Shane stopped at the foot of the bed, and Shane ducked her head to a side, observing Carmen, realizing that she really had to observe her, to breathe her, to interiorize her completely. The reason was simple. That night was special, and what was going to happen between the two of them could be extemporaneous. It could be just for that night.

Shane wanted to savor every single moment. They both needed to share those special instants, those hours that just belonged to them. They both needed to leave the rest of the world – issues, violence, injustices, lies, betrayals, and all the things that had built a wall between them – out of the door.

Carmen watched Shane and her eyes were dry, now. They still looked sad, but there was also something else. It was love, mainly, but even an honest admission of a need too strong to be ignored.

“Undress me”, she murmured.

”This time, this place
Misused, mistakes
Too long, too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there’s just one left
‘Cause you know,
you know, you know…”

Never in her life Shane had felt such a strong desire or soulful attraction for someone. Never in her life she had found herself exhaling a shaking breath just because the woman in front of her had asked to be undressed.

She unbuttoned Carmen’s shirt carefully, button after button, then she unbuckled her belt, unzipped her jeans and let them slip down, on the floor. She watched amazed Carmen’s flawless legs and stomach. Right then, her shirt completely unbuttoned, the curve of her breasts nearly visible under the soft, thin fabric, Carmen was much more than beautiful. She embodied the absolute perfection.