hands cupped my face, forcing me to look at him. I hoped my eyes didn't betray the hope inside me. "I don't like you because you're hot or because we share a bond. I like you because you're smart and tough. You have values that are rare in our times, like being responsible way beyond your years and wanting to achieve something in life."
"Thank you," I whispered.
"You said you wanted to know more about me." I nodded sensing a big revelation that wasn't easy for him. Thrain took a deep breath and continued, "I've been a nomad for centuries. I don't think I've ever settled down in one place for longer than a few months—until I met you. When this is over I want to be near you, wherever you are. And if you don't want me, then I'll wait in the shadows until I've conquered your heart and you find me worthy of your love."
He was already conquering it. I had never felt closer to anyone in my entire life, as though we were one and the same being. "I'd like that very much."
I, too, would wait for him because I wanted to be with him. I wanted to fall asleep and wake up in his arms. He kissed my mouth softly. I parted my lips to grant him access. His soft lips sent shivers down my spine. He pulled away softly. "Now, it's your turn." His eyes met mine. His encouraging grin urged me to look inside myself and find something I wanted to share with him, something that would help him feel as close to me as I felt to him.
I cleared my throat, considering my words. "As a child I used to daydream of getting lost in the woods and being found by a dark stranger. I remember the way I pictured his eyes: green with brown speckles, surrounded by black lashes that would give him a mysterious look."
He laughed out loud. "I hope it's me. It would mean your first prediction came true. I want to know everything about you."
I let my childhood memories flood my mind as I traveled back in time. "My father left my mother for a woman he met on a rare visit to the city to stock up on provisions. Her name was Marie and she was an actress filming a movie. When she returned home, he left with her and I didn't see him for years. I hated him for what he did to me and my mom for a long time."
"Is that why you find it so hard to open your heart to anyone?"
His question took me by surprise. I laughed uncomfortably. The need to negate his statement flared up. I decided against it because, thinking of it, he had a point. I didn't want to fall in love with a guy, settle down and start a family. The trip to Brazil with Gael was about the only plan I had made with a man, and that wasn't even a plan because he had surprised me with the flight tickets. Guilt grabbed hold of me. Gael. I had liked him but was never in love with him. He was already forgotten, as though he never existed. I hadn't even checked my emails to read his response.
"It's okay," Thrain said, misinterpreting my silence. His fingers rested on my lips as though in order to keep me silent. "We'll take it slowly. We don't need to make any plans if you don't want to. Will you be okay alone in your room?" I nodded. He placed a soft kiss on the tip of my nose. "If you need me I'll be downstairs. Sleep well."
"Thanks." I watched him stroll down the stairs carrying his head high. His pace was confident the way only a guy, who knew he was everything a girl could ever desire, would carry himself.
Chapter 16
Thrain's scent and taste lingered in my mind as I jumped under the shower to wash off the traces of a long day. My skin seemed to tingle where the hot water hit it. My whole being felt as though I was floating in the vast universe with nothing but him to anchor me. If it weren't for the cold air sending shivers up my spine to remind me of time and space as I stepped out of the shower, I would've continued to float in that dreamy state. I let out a delighted sigh and went about brushing my teeth with the