"Marcus, you're never going to leave me, right?"
Amber lay comfortably in his arms, her hands looped around his neck as she gazed up at him. Her expression was soft and trusting, dark eyes shining with quiet devotion. There was no doubt or hesitation in her voice, only the simple certainty of someone who had always believed he would remain by her side.
"Silly girl."
Marcus felt warmth spread through his chest. Smiling faintly, he leaned down and gently flicked the tip of her nose.
"Didn't I already tell you? We'll always be together."
He shook his head, looking at the girl resting against him. Her body felt almost weightless, soft and relaxed in his embrace, her slender waist fitting easily beneath his arm. Her skin carried a smooth warmth like polished jade, and her faint, clean scent calmed him more than anything else in the world. No matter how many years passed, Amber remained the person he cherished most.
