Page 32 of The Hero's Bride
“Maybe, but I think you’re his peace. His light.” A pang of longing tugged at her heart. What she would give to be that for Mason. She shut her eyes against the image of the scars on his back. A testament to all the pain he’d endured. “I never thought of it like that, but the fight to push forward when the whole world seems to be dragging you back is its own form of strength.”
Vivienne nodded. “He’s my peace, too. When you experience love that’s unconditional, it changes you. When Iron told me you’d met Red before, I thought it sounded like something from a fairy tale. Does he mean something to you?”
Thalia pressed a hand to her sternum, the gravity of her feelings creating a tangible ache. “The boy I briefly met always represented hope to me, but I never expected to see him again. I think I’ve always loved him for what he represented. Kindness and generosity in a harsh world. Now that I know the man he’s become, the feelings I have are so huge.”
“That’s how I feel about Iron, too. He’s shown me so much gentleness. Introduced me to a world with no restrictions or boundaries. I know he sometimes sees himself as damaged, but I don’t understand how he could be broken when he’s made me whole.”
The realization that she was in love with Mason as a man and not only what the young boy had represented, gave her pause.
“What is it?” Vivienne reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
“I haven’t allowed myself to think of what he means to me.” She wondered if Vivienne could hear her soft words as the wind whistled through the tall seagrass.
“Why, honey?”
“When they came to rescue me, I never expected them to want to bring me across the border. The men’s friend, Jude, said the easiest way at the time was a fiancé visa.”
“That explains your amazing ring.” Vivienne smiled softly.
“Even though it wasn’t real, he made everything so special. He’s the kindest man I’ve ever met.”
“Thalia, maybe it didn’t exactly begin as a real or traditional relationship, but that doesn’t mean it won’t turn into one.” Vivienne rubbed her thumb over the back of her hand, offering support.
“The thing is, I’ve been offered help with my transition into the United States in exchange for my testimony.” She sucked in a breath and felt her cheeks heat with the realization she was talking about Vivienne’s parents.
“Stop. They are horrible people and we both know it. Keep talking.”
“I’m sorry, Vivienne. I’m sorry they hurt you, too.”
“I know that.”
“So, in exchange for that testimony the fiancé visa is no longer needed.” She glanced down at their linked fingers.
“Giving you the opportunity to explore something real.”
“I have nothing to give him. Nothing to offer. I don’t want him stuck in a one-sided relationship.” She bit her bottom lips as the prickle of hot tears burned in her eyes.
“No silly. You have you. Everything you are is beautiful and resilient and kind. You are worthy, Thalia.”
They talked late into the night, until their eyes grew heavy with exhaustion. When they walked inside, Mason and Iron were sitting on the couch, and if it wasn’t so sweet it would be almost comical how their faces instantly brightened when they walked into the room.
“Not sure what your sleeping arrangements are going to be, but hall closet’s full if you need extra pillows or sheets.”
“Come on, sleepyhead.” Iron lifted Vivienne, easily tossing her over his shoulder. She shrieked, a wide smile spreading over her face.
“Night, guys,” she laughed, waving until they disappeared down the hall.
When they were gone, Mason turned to her. “Did you have a good time?”
“I did.” She skirted around the arm of the couch. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
“Come here,” he said holding out his arms. She climbed into his open embrace, her knees planted on either side of his hips. The buttery-soft denim of the jeans he’d bought her easily stretched with the movement. “You don’t have to thank me.”
She ran her hands through his wavy auburn hair. He was the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. Everything about him from the freckles dusted around his tattoos to his midnight ocean eyes and his richly colored hair was so vibrant and beautiful, it made her heart ache. She wanted the right to call him hers with a desperation she’d never felt for anything in her life before—except her freedom. That’s what he represented for her, but it wasn’t only his heroic actions that made her want him, it was the man he’d become.
“What are you thinking right now?” He reached up and tucked her hair behind her ears.
“How beautiful you are.” Prickles of heat rose up her cheeks. She might be embarrassed by her train of thought, but she wanted to give him her honesty.
