Chapter 8

The light that was making its way through the thin curtain was faint, lazy. Wheeler blinked his eyes open and yawned, rubbing his face on the pillow as his brain gradually made sense of things, created order. The warmth of Linka's bare back against his bare chest slowly registered, and he shifted with care to examine the blonde's face, which was turned from his in sleep.

She was an angel. Wheeler's heart started beating crazily, until he could hear it echo in the silent bedroom. Linka's golden hair was on his pillows like a halo about her, and her cherub lips were slightly parted as she slept on undisturbed. The delicate curve of her shoulder hid the perfection that was the rest of her naked body, and Wheeler settled down next to her again, holding her tighter against him. This was everything that he'd ever dreamed of, and he was suddenly afraid that it would disappear once he fully woke up.

The American laid there, happier than he could ever recall being, just listening to Linka breathing. He did not even want to get up to use the toilet, but, alas, he could not go against his physiology forever. Defeated at last, he sighed, cursing his need to pee. He did not feel like leaving Linka's side for even one second!

Getting up from the bed swiftly but quietly, Wheeler moved towards the bathroom, finally conceding his bladder a break before nearing the sink and splashing some cold water on his face. Everything seemed so dreamlike, he needed to somehow make sure it was not make-believe! He glanced at his reflection one last time in the mirror, taking note for the first time that he was stark naked, before hurrying back to Linka's warmth.

He lost no time enveloping her in his arms, pulling the covers over them both, before he felt Linka slightly stirring in his arms. He remained unmoving, holding his breath, as the beautiful Russian girl turned her body around, so that her head was resting on his chest and she was curled into him. She let out a pleased sigh once she had settled to her liking, and Wheeler rested his cheek against her head, playing lightly with her hair. It was not long before he felt the flutter of her long eyelashes against his neck, letting him know she was awake.

Wheeler kissed her forehead and caressed her bare shoulders, her skin silky underneath his fingertips. He was filled with glee when Linka leaned more into him, shielding her face from the subtle light in the process.

"Is it morning already?" came the sleepy question from the object of his desire, and Wheeler held back a laugh.

"Yeah," he nodded in response, as his hand found its way down her spine. "But we don't have to go anywhere, babe."

Linka smiled against his neck and gradually lifted her head to meet his eyes. Hers were deep emerald, more alluring than ever, and Wheeler felt lost in them.

"Didn't you get enough sleep last night?" he could not help but tease, and she giggled with gusto in response.

"You know, Yankee, if you are going to be a smartass, you might as well get up and get us breakfast."

"Five more minutes!" Wheeler wailed like a child, pulling her closer to him like a shield, and Linka softly laughed at his antics.

"Every morning the same line! Bozhe moi!"

"Except that today is special," grinned Wheeler pleased, and Linka pulled herself up on one elbow to examine him.

"How is it special?"

"I get to wake up next to a goddess."

Linka did not even have the time to roll her eyes at him dismissively before Wheeler had her pinned down underneath him.

"Come on, you gotta admit, I'm pretty smooth," Wheeler laughed a little, before covering her neck with kisses.

"Uhmm," the blonde girl replied as she circled her arms around his shoulders. "Based on the evidence collected last night, I may actually have to let you win that argument."

The redhead laughed again and lifted his eyes to hers. His heart felt full and warm, like a kettle ready to burst, and he lost no time kissing Linka's mouth at length. She would never taste any less addicting to him, and when he eventually pulled away from her, it was not without effort.

"So… no regrets?" Even though Wheeler had tried to inject a light tone to his voice, every one of his worries filtered through all the same.

"None. Why do you think I would have any?"

"Well… maybe… I was upset, and you were trying to cheer me up…"

Linka held him at arm's length so she could examine him, and her eyes became more serious. "If I want to cheer someone up, I usually tell a joke."

Wheeler shook his head, cursing his paranoid reasoning. That, and his inability to properly communicate. Would he ever be able to not fumble his explanations to her?

"You know that's not what I meant, babe," sighed the redhead, mentally ordering his thoughts. "Just ignore the dumb things I say, please! I guess… this all feels like it's too good to be true. A dream. I'm still adjusting to it."

He watched her eyes soften with his words and the emotion behind them. Linka reached up to place a little tender kiss on his mouth.

"Would it help make it more real for you if I told you I loved you?"

Linka's question caused Wheeler to freeze, words eluding him more than ever by this point. There was no air, nothing outside the shining truth in her lovely eyes.

"Because I do, you know," smiled Linka a little shyly, letting one hand run delicately through his red hair. "I love you, Jacob. I have been foolish trying to hide it from you."

Wheeler's heart was banging joyfully against his chest at her heartfelt words, and he smiled widely in response. "It's not feeling any less like a dream, babe. Better pinch me, just in case."

Linka laughed and he held her to him, never intending to let go.

"Thank you, babe. For having faith me," Wheeler disclosed, his tone quieter and more serious. He was ever so grateful, and Linka gave him a special little smile in turn.

"Well, you had faith in us before I could ever even see it coming. So, I would say that it is a team effort in the end," conceded the fantastic blonde.

Wheeler felt light, at peace, and he continued holding her in his arms. They made one hell of a team, he and Linka. Fire and Wind. Not even his devastating behavior had been able to tear apart their love, and he was ever so glad for second chances. He would never again treat Linka the way he had; this he promised himself. From now on, all she was going to get from him was endless devotion, pure love. Linka had more than earned it, and she fully deserved it.

"Just so you know, my darling, beautiful babe, it's highly unlikely that I'll let you leave this bed today," grinned the redhead, placing a kiss on her shoulder. Linka's rosy lips curved in a smile and he kissed them next.

"Mmm, I may let you get away with that, Yankee," Linka replied, her playful tone reflecting his happiness, as she batted her eyelashes up at him. "Apparently, kissing is not the only thing you are good at."

Wheeler laughed a little and kissed her again, this time more deeply. Her mouth was dizzyingly delicious, and he rejoiced when Linka enveloped him in her arms, ready to show him her affection. Her body was warm and inviting, letting him know they were finally free to love one another. For the first time, no barriers stood between them. There was no doubt in Wheeler's mind that this was going to be the best day ever.

THE END