Page 75 of Turret

I silently scolded myself for my vagueness and described every flower whose name I knew and their colors, forcing myself to come up with new and creative language each time until Quinn rested his hand over mine, causing me to pause.

“Don’t stress yourself searching for just the right word; it’s amazing how vivid even the most simple descriptions can be.”

I relaxed in relief. “What else would you like to see?”

He immediately swiveled to face me. “You. What color gown are you wearing?”

“My orange silk, and I’m wearing my hair down because I was in too much of a hurry to have it styled.”

“And what had you so impatient?” A smile filled his voice, as if he already knew the answer and it pleased him.

“I wanted to see you.”

His lips quirked up. “So you resorted to unstyled hair? So improper.” His hand moved to stroke my hair, his touch lingering on the way it hung messily about my shoulders, and although the gesture was innocent, his touch caused me to shiver.

He was close enough to feel it and frowned in concern. “Are you chilled? Should we go inside?”

“My shiver has nothing to do with the weather, Quinn.”

He blushed but seemed pleased by my answer. “I’m beginning to suspect you left your hair down on purpose. If my condition allows me to get away with such familiarity, then perhaps it’s not so bad after all.” His grin grew as his thumb went to my warm cheek. “I can just imagine your darling blush…as well as the way the sunlight is dancing against your hair.” His gaze flicked upwards, and though he was several inches off, I was touched by how eager he was to see it.

I wanted to show Quinn more of the gardens, so our explorations took us down the balcony steps to the grounds below, where we spent the remainder of the morning. As we strolled along the paths, I pointed out every detail, doing my best to find the most precise and beautiful way to describe things. We often paused so he could explore the other senses enveloping the garden—the birdsong filling the air, the swaying of the plants in the gentle breeze, the perfume of the autumn blossoms, and the feel of their velvety petals when he explored them with his touch.

It was fascinating watching him. There was no sadness, only joy as he learned to see life in a new way. His contentment eased the last of my heartache, allowing me to experience only happiness in this moment with him. If he could be content, then I would be as well, especially since that had been his greatest wish for me back when I was still trapped in the tower. After all I’d done to break free, the last thing I wanted was to create a new prison for myself.

Quinn paused in exploring the plants growing along the surface of the stream in the water garden to blink towards the sky. “The day is really bright; I can faintly see the sun against my eyelids.”

My heart lifted. “Really?”

“Really.” But though his smile remained, the light filling his eyes dimmed. “I still wish I could see you.”

I took his hands and rested them on my face. “You can see me as much as you need. Iwantto be seen by you.”

He hesitated at first before his touch cautiously explored, transporting me to the day he’d first done so when we’d waded through the stream. His touch was just as tantalizing now as it’d been then, leaving me breathless.

I held perfectly still as he traced my face, keeping his eyes closed like he’d done the last time, his look incredibly concentrated. He smiled. “I can still see you, as I promised I would. I always will, and thus I’ll be alright.”

“So you’ll stay with me?” I needed to hear his promise, one far more important than the oaths of protection he’d sworn to me when he’d become my guard.

“Always, Gemma, if you truly want me.”

“Always.” It was my own promise, one I knew I’d never break.

He started to lower his touch, but I wasn’t quite ready for him to stop. I rested my hands over his, keeping his hands cradled around my face. His expression instantly grew serious. “Gemma…”

“I’ve made my choice, Quinn,” I said firmly. “If you love me as I love you—”

“I do,” he assured me. “So much. But—”

“—then nothing will keep us from being together. You’ve given me time to consider a future with you, and my wishes have not changed. I will not leave you in the dark. Allow me to be your light, just as you’ve always been mine. Without you, I too will be left in the night, and you care too much for me to force me to experience that again.”

He was still for a long moment before he released a whooshing breath and rested his forehead against mine. “I can’t tell you how much I want you. If you’re in earnest that I’m what is best for you…I don’t think I’m strong enough to resist you a moment longer.”

The corners of my mouth touched his palms as I smiled, allowing him to feel its presence. “The only choice has always been you. Just as your feelings and devotion never wavered throughout my illness, now it’s my turn to stay loyally by your side. I will always be here, Quinn, and I will help you see the world for what it is, just as you helped me.”

I stood on tiptoe to kiss him, sealing the promise. I’d waited a long time to experience a second kiss, and as with our first, his response was instantaneous and fierce, as if I was his sole source of the light he’d been missing since his curse had robbed him of his sight. He clung to me, kissing me without the restraints he’d previously kept between us for far too long, confirming that he’d finally given up the fight and could no longer be held back now that he was certain he was the one I chose.

I kissed him back just as eagerly, relishing his touch, the love that filled each caress,him. The kiss was heated yet gentle, passionate yet adoring, and in it I knew that nothing would keep us apart ever again.

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