A Secret Kiss

  * * *

  The whimpering sound echoed in Darcy’s head, and he woke with a start. He flashed his eyes open and sat up, his palm against his chest, feeling the continuous thumping of his beating heart. Thump! Thump! Thump! Oh, God! It was painful.

  Sweat soaked his face and body. He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, then took off his nightshirt. His skin was glistening with sweat in the darkness as he sat there, his mind playing scenes of his childhood. Suddenly, as if he couldn’t stand the stuffiness of the room any longer, he got off the bed and went to draw the curtains back and open the windows.

  Cool spring air rushed in, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

  Why the dream? He hadn’t thought about that day for so long. So why now?

  His heart ached. Why had he hurt Sakura when she hadn’t done anything wrong? Why had he hurt her when he loved her so much? Why?

  He was a heartless, malicious monster who didn’t deserve her love or kindness.

  Darcy’s whole body shuddered in anguish and tears burned within his eyes.