Snippet #2539670

Leaning forward, Mariska braced her fingers against the grainy cement, warm beneath her skin, to push herself shakily onto her black heels. She dropped the cigarette and rose those hands up to touch her fingers so delicately to his cheeks. They barely brushed his skin.

"Selene bless. We were children. It's been that long." She drew her hands in toward her chest, fists clenching. "I didn't think you'd live long enough to grow into a man. You've always been so sick, Remy. But I'm glad to see you alive."

Her gaze, though worn, was tender. There was a warmness there, a spark of happiness that hadn't wandered into those eyes in a long time.