Page 38 of Crossing Between
"But here's something I've never told anyone except Elias and Varon," his voice grew serious, those striking blue eyes holding mine. "I can sometimes see the future. Not always clearly, and not everything, but enough." He paused,swallowing hard. "I've been seeing you in my visions for years, Zoey. Long before you walked into the station."
My breath caught in my throat. The playful atmosphere vanished, replaced by something deeper, more meaningful. "Years?" I whispered.
He nodded, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from my face. "Years. I knew you were coming, knew you'd be important. I just didn't know how much until I met you."
Humbled by his vulnerability and the weight of his confession, I leaned forward, drawn to him. Our eyes locked, and in that moment, I saw the depth of his feelings reflected in their icy blue depths. My heart swelled, and I couldn't hold back any longer.
I pressed my lips to his, tenderly at first, savoring the softness of his mouth and the warmth that radiated from him. Unlike the passionate frenzy with Varon, this kiss was gentle, a sweet exploration that spoke of a connection that ran deeper than mere physical attraction.
As our lips moved together, I felt a spark ignite within me, a flame that threatened to consume me whole. I parted my lips slightly, inviting him in, and he responded eagerly, deepening the kiss. His tongue brushed against mine, teasing and exploring, sending shivers down my spine.
When we finally pulled apart, we were both breathless, our chests heaving as we tried to catch our breath. Kenji's eyes were glowing slightly, a sign of his oni nature showing through. I had expected explosive passion all the time with his personality but this gentle side of him was intoxicating.
I reached up to cup his cheek, my thumb brushing his jaw. He leaned into my touch, his eyes closing as he savored the sensation.
We sat there for a while, lost in our own little world, until the sound of footsteps brought us back toreality. Varon was back from his call, and Elias was stirring in his chair. But for a few precious moments, it was just Kenji and me, sharing a connection that transcended words.
"Thank you for telling me," I murmured, my hand still resting against his cheek.
"Thank you for being worth the wait," he replied softly.
Chapter 28: Zoey
"Come on, hit me harder!" Varon taunted, his grey eyes glinting with amusement as I threw another punch at his rock-hard abs. My fist connected with his stomach, and while he didn't even flinch, pain shot through my knuckles.
"Fuck!" I screamed in frustration, shaking out my hand. We'd been at this for two hours in Varon's home gym, and I was drenched in sweat, my tank top clinging to my skin. "This is pointless. You're a vampire lord. I couldn't hurt you if I tried."
"The point isn't to hurt me," Varon explained patiently, not even breathing hard. "It's to teach you proper form and build your confidence."
I wiped sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. "What I need is to go home. I haven't checked on Ruth in days, and I'm sick of wearing borrowed clothes." I tugged at the oversized t-shirt I'd borrowed from Kenji, which kept slipping off one shoulder.
Elias, who had been quietly observing from the corner, stepped forward. "She has a point," his deep voice resonating through the room. "Being cooped up here isn't helping her focus. I can take her to get some things from herapartment."
"It's not safe," Kenji started, but Elias cut him off.
"Varon, you mentioned there's paperwork at the station that needs your signatures. You and he can handle that while I escort Zoey." His tone left no room for argument.
Varon considered this for a moment before nodding. "Fine. But stay alert."
Twenty minutes later, I was sitting in Elias's car, watching the familiar streets of my neighborhood roll past. The tension in my shoulders began to ease as we pulled up to my building.
"Wait here," Elias commanded as we approached my door. He entered first, checking each room before allowing me inside.
The place felt strange after being away. Everything was exactly where I'd left it, yet somehow different. I moved quickly through the rooms, stuffing clothes and necessities into two large duffel bags.
"Ready to check on your neighbor?" Elias asked as I zipped up the last bag.
I nodded, leading the way next door. Ruth answered after my second knock, her weathered face lighting up at the sight of me.
"Zoey, dear! I was starting to worry." She pulled me into a warm hug.
"I'm sorry I haven't been around," I followed her into her apartment. "I've been staying with friends."
"Oh?" Ruth's eyes twinkled as she glanced at Elias, who ducked his head politely as he entered. "One of those handsome young men you had over for breakfast the other day."
"How are your joints?" he asked, surprising me. "The lotion I sent over, did it help?"
Ruth's face brightened even more. "Oh, yes! It's wonderful stuff. The arthritis barely bothers me."
