He could see her chest rising and falling. The thin blanket bunched around her waist, exposing the rest of her body.

His palms began to sweat, and he stepped into the room.

She exhaled, and he froze in place, watching to see if she would wake up. She didn't. He sat at the edge of her bed. Her long hair tickled his arm as he did so. If she was awake, she was not responding to him. But that was okay.

"Shh," he whispered, stroking her hair. He felt her stiffen beneath him.

He smiled and continued to pet her hair. He ran his fingers through it, relishing the softness. He ran his hands over her arms and down them, feeling the thin layer of her nightgown.

She was so warm.

His hand moved to her shoulder, and, then, to her chest.

She continued to breathe, pretending to be unaware of his touch. But he knew she was awake. He knew she could feel him.

He ran his hands over her flat stomach, then her hip, then her thigh.

She didn't move.

He brought his face closer to hers, and he could smell her. It was the most beautiful odor he had ever encountered. Rich and sweet, it made his nose curl up.

He buried his face in her hair and inhaled more of her essence.

It only made her smell sweeter, and she smelled incredible. He breathed her in, as he slipped his hand inside the thin fabric of her nightgown.

She gasped and stiffened, but she stayed put.

The feel of her skin sent him into a frenzy. His fingers moved over her stomach, down her hip, and under her leg. Her thigh was soft and smooth. His fingers brushed against her hipbone, over her ribs, and up to the part of her where the fabric dipped.

She whimpered again. This time, he was sure she was awake.

His hand moved to her neck, and he pushed the blanket away from her shoulders. He moved his hands over her chest, feeling the skin against his fingertips, and he could feel her heart beating against his palm.

The room was silent, but he felt he could hear her heartbeat. It was so strong, so intoxicating.

But he stopped himself there. He had to. He couldn't give into temptation, not yet. It was too soon. He had to earn her first. And she had to earn him.

"Don't worry, my love," he said, letting her go. "Our time will come soon. Just you wait..."

With that, he got up and left the room, making sure each lock was secured shut on his way out.

He returned to his own room and sighed, pressing his back to the door.

He was proud of himself for being so strong. He smiled and continued to watch the screen, a smile on his face as he watched her sleep.

"I'm so proud of you," he said softly. "So proud."