I rolled my eyes. “I’m glad you’re pleased with yourself.”

He lifted his head at my obvious sarcasm, eyes narrowing. “Oh, you have no idea, Shakespeare. Just wait ‘til you see what else I have in store for you.”

I trembled at his words and the knowing gleam in his expression showed me that he was satisfied with my reciprocated hunger.

Settling beside me, he pulled me to his embrace and played with my hair. “Tell me somethin’ that you’ve never told anyone.”

I stiffened and he wound his free hand in mine pre-emptively, imploring me to speak.

“Like what?”

He shrugged. “Anythin’. Just somethin’ no one else knows. Some deep secret or fear that you have.”

I stared into his hopeful eyes, and I boldly decided to do as he asked. I would share what hurt me most.

“I get so lonely that at times, I literally think it might kill me.”

Devastation engulfed his features and he rolled on top of me, urgently pressing his mouth on my lips, on my cheeks, on my forehead. “Molly, baby, you’re breakin’ my f**kin’ heart.”

I subtly wiped away a stray tear. “It’s true and I’ve never told anyone that until just now… until you. For me, it’s been the hardest thing. It’s amazing how loud the sound of silence can be screaming at you relentlessly, reminding you that you’re completely on your own in the world.”

Romeo licked his bottom lip anxiously and his eyes began to glisten. “Can I tell you somethin’?”

I nodded shyly. He ran his finger down my cheek, but almost as if the action fuelled his strength rather than gave me comfort. “I’m desperately lonely, too.”

I couldn’t help it. Tears flowed like a sweeping torrent from my eyes and Rome tucked his face into my neck, breathing through our combined pain. We held on to each other as if we were one another’s lifeline.

I could taste the bitter taste of salt dripping onto my lips and after several minutes of much needed closeness, Romeo lifted his head and a tranquil calm had settled in his shielded eyes.

“We don’t have to feel lonely anymore, baby. I have you and you me.”

“This is crazy, Romeo. We’ve known each other for such a short space of time, yet I feel as if I’ve known you my whole life.”

A smirk spread on his lips. “We’re star-crossed, Shakespeare. Fateful star-crossed lovers. We have a lifetime to get to know each other, unlike our namesakes. I’ll make sure we get our happily ever after.”

I drew him to my mouth with my hands on his flushed cheeks. He let me lead for a while before drawing back and playfully waggling his finger in front of my face to not push the boundaries of his controlling limits.

With a sudden roll, Romeo fell onto his back and I wrapped my arm across his stomach, my head lying comfortably on his chest.

“Mmm…” I mused.

“What, baby?” he asked, stroking my hair.

“Just how amazing it sounds to hear another heartbeat besides my own.”

“Mol…”

“Shhh… just… let me listen. It makes me incredibly… complete.”

Safe hands pressed my head tightly against his chest and I relaxed listening to the trance-inducing rhythm of his heart.

After several minutes of quiet, Romeo asked, “That quote on your hip, tell me about it.” I tensed and Romeo’s arms held me tighter. “I’ve got you, baby.”

“My…” I cleared my throat—thick with emotion. “My father quoted it in his suicide note. He used to say it to me at bedtime every night and I wanted something to remember him by, just so I can never forget him.”

I heard Romeo sigh quietly in sympathy, and then he asked, “Is it from memory?”

I nodded against his warm, bare skin. “Yeah. It’s well and truly imprinted there, but I still have the note.”

He shifted slightly. “You do?”

I lifted to my elbows, contemplating his nervous demeanour. I could see he had no idea what to say to me in response.

“Would you like to read it?”

He looked surprisingly scared. “Why?”

“Because no one but me and my grandma ever has. I’d like to share it with you. I find myself wanting to let you in more and more every day. It may help you understand some things… about me.”

“Okay,” he agreed with wide eyes.

I rose slowly from my bed and went to my closet. I took down the antique oak box that was tucked away on my top shelf and turned towards Rome, who was shamelessly admiring the view of my naked body.

I shook my head and laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Just so you know. I’m gonna take you again tonight. Addicted, Shakespeare. I’m f**kin’ addicted.”

The usual tremors racked through my insides and I strolled back towards him. He tucked me into his body warmth and I opened the box, pulling out the worn, yellowing piece of paper protected by laminated plastic, and with shaky hands I gave it to Romeo, who began to read it studiously to himself.

Silence reigned strong and I decided on some space. I slipped on my newly purchased black knee-length silk robe and walked to my balcony, inhaling the crisp air deeply as the surrounding trees swayed gently in the evening breeze. No matter how often I read the letter, it hurt me every time, and I couldn’t help but recite each word in my head:

My little Molly-pops, this is the hardest letter I have ever had to write.

Firstly, I want you to know that I have loved you more than any daddy has ever loved his little girl since the very beginning of time. You’re the apple of my eye and the best thing I have ever done in my whole life.

I know that this is all too much for you to understand right now, but you will, in time. I want to explain why I have left you and I want you to know that it’s not because you did anything wrong.

I have loved many people in my life, but the way I loved your mother was beyond anything I can explain. The day you were born was both the saddest and happiest day of my life. The happiest as I got you, but the saddest as I lost the other half of my soul.

I was broken, Molly, and nobody but God could fix me.

One day, my sweet girl, some lucky young man will come and help you understand the very meaning of love. He will sweep you off your feet and show you what it is to place your heart in someone else’s care and to willingly offer them the gift of your soul—and he will own it completely. Make sure he is worth the treasure of your heart and do everything in your power to protect what you have together.