Free My Beautiful (The Beautiful Series) by Alicia Rae Page A

it. Surely, that would not be a good thing.
    Kyle came up and sat behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist, snuggling me against him, with his chin on my shoulder. “Lily, you can take anything from here you want. We can store it or ship it…whatever you want to do,” he said, trying to soothe me.
    “I want this comforter,” I cried softly.
    “Then, we’ll take it,” he answered tenderly. He kissed my shoulder softly, trying to ease my aches and pains.
    I shook my head. “But I don’t want it.”
    Lifting his head off my shoulder, he turned slightly to look directly into my eyes. His eyebrows were drawn together in confusion. His hands caressed up and down my arms, trying to comfort me. “I thought you said you wanted it?”
    I ran my fingers over the soft material. I exhaled, feeling frustrated with my indecisiveness. “I really do want it.” I sniffled. “But part of me doesn’t because it will be a daily reminder…of what I’ve lost.”
    Kyle reached for my hand. I dropped the comforter as he took my hand in his, and my eyes traveled down to our fingers that were now interlocked with one another. His hand was so much larger than mine, and it reminded me of his strength. His thumb caressed a path along the top of my hand. I loved the way his skin felt against mine.
    I felt so lost and confused.
    “With this and any other belongings you want to keep, we’ll store it until you’re ready,” Kyle offered.
    I looked up into his warm, loving eyes, full of compassion, and I nodded in agreement. I felt the coolness of the tears that had stained my cheeks just moments ago.
    “Okay,” I whispered, knowing it was the best decision.
    One day, I truly hoped that I could have this blanket in my home and find solace within it, but right now, the wound was too fresh and raw. I wanted to believe that I would feel that way someday.
    Leaning forward, Kyle kissed my nose and then my forehead. His kisses were soft and sweet, and they were just what I needed. Strength and courage radiated off of him in waves, and I silently prayed that I could take some, lock it away inside me, and use it at my will.
    I wanted it to be that simple.
    He pulled back and glanced at the tears on my face. Slowly, he ran his thumb across my left cheek and wiped away the tears, and then he did the same to the right side. A shaky breath left my lungs. I was here, trying to accomplish what needed to be done, and by some miracle, I was doingit…all because of Kyle.
    Wanting to feel his lips on mine, I leaned forward and kissed him. His lips were soft and full. The simple kiss made me forget where I was, and I wanted more of him.
    I gently nibbled on his lower lip, seeking entrance into his mouth. As I deepened the kiss, I felt his groan beneath my hands that had made their way to his chest. Then, the kiss ended all too soon for my liking.
    Kyle smiled down at me. “Let’s finish up, beautiful, and then we can move on to your room.” He sounded like he was looking forward to that.
    “You want to do my room next?” I questioned, pretending to ponder. “I don’t know about that. You better let me go first, so I can throw away all my old boyfriends’ love letters and photographs,” I teased.
    “Make a pile and I’ll kick their asses one at a time,” Kyle growled.
    I rolled my eyes. “You already know that I haven’t had any real boyfriends besides you.” I chuckled as I continued to go through the rest of the room. I added my mom’s jewelry and a few family photographs to my list and set them aside.
    We moved along to my room next. I had painted it midnight blue with silver. Flowing white curtains and my bedspread brightened the room. As a child, it had reminded me of the stars. I could always close my eyes and paint a vivid picture of a dark blue sky with brightly shining stars scattered throughout.
    I had a variety of furniture in my room. My mom and I had always loved shopping in antique stores together. We had found little