Page 114 of Red Captive

I narrow my eyes. “Out of everything I just said, that’s all you heard? Really?”

“You’re beautiful when you’re angry. So fucking beautiful. Has anyone told you that before?”

“I will hurt you if you patronize me.” I might just hit him if he’s not careful. I don’t think I’ve ever been this angry before. I don’t know where it’s all coming from.

He sighs. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I was afraid of rejection. Afraid of giving myself to someone. Of trusting again, of loving again. Natalia popped in and carefully pointed out that it’s too late, that I’m already in love with you. She pointed out that I’m an idiot. I think she may have used the term ‘asshole.’ It was a colorful conversation.”

I giggle. It just slips out.

“Point being, I’m totally in love with you. I’m sorry for being a fool. For not taking the leap sooner. Thing is, I can’t let you go.”

I swipe my eyes and realize I’m crying.

“You’re upset? Angry? Happy?” he asks, looking unsure. “All of the above? Give me something here, Jen. I’m putting it all out there. Say something, anything.”

“I love you so much. I wish I could stay, but…my family.”

“I just came from Arctic. He wasn’t very happy to see me at this time of night. He was pissed I cracked his password…again. He’s so transparent, but that’s neither here nor there. I got him to agree to let your family stay here. I pretty much wouldn’t leave his bedroom until he did. I threatened to break in every night until he agreed.”

I laugh but quickly turn serious. “He agreed. Are you for real?”

“Yes, I am.” But his face falls. “But it can’t be right away.” He shakes his head. “Not with your mom’s medical needs. The island isn’t equipped to deal with her requirements. We are moving ahead with the Tribute Project, but it’s going to take a little time. There will first be clinics and then, later, hospitals built on the island. Once we’re equipped, there’s no reason whythey can’t move here. It sounds like we’re looking at a few months. Six to eight, give or take.”

He takes my hands in his. My heart is racing. I’m so happy but so sad. “I can’t wait that long to see them,” I say in a soft voice. “They’re expecting me.”

“You should go back,” he says.

“Oh!” So, this is still goodbye. Damn! Why did I let myself hope? My heart sinks like a rock in a cold, deep, dark ocean.

He lifts my chin so that I can look him in the eye. “Go back. Be with your family. Assure yourself that they’re okay, and then come back to me. Arctic says you can commute between Mistveil and the Mainland until they are ready to come and live here.”

I grin. It feels like it splits my face in two. “You’re kidding me.”

“I’m not kidding.” He smiles. “Would you be okay with living between here and there? With a long-distance relationship?” He seems to hold his breath.

“You know what they say about long distance?” I lift my brows.

“What?” He still looks a little unsure. It’s so cute.

“The sex is hotter when two people miss each other.” I bob my brows.

He chokes out a laugh. “I don’t think we have any trouble in that department, Jen.”

“I don’t know.” I pretend to think it through.

“Jen! You’re teasing me. I mean, the sex has been fucking amazing. You have to admit it.”

“We’ve only done it twice. It’s going to take a lot more than that for me to be sure one way or the other, to make a definite—”

He picks me up, and I squeal. “Let’s see what we can do to fix that.”

My legs hook around his waist. Then we kiss like two people possessed.

“I love you,” I murmur against his mouth.

“So much,” he says against mine as he walks to my bedroom.

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