Page 56 of Dark Shaman: Love Found
"I know exactly the right number of people," he said. "Quality over quantity."
"I'm nineteen years old."
The non-sequitur made him pull back to look at her. "I know."
"Do you? Really? Because sometimes I think you forget and think that I'm younger than that. You're so careful with me, like I might break."
"I don't think you're fragile," he protested. "I think you're incredibly strong. But you've been through a lot."
"And I'm healing. But I'm not made of glass." She sat up straighter. "I know what I want."
"What do you want?"
"Freedom to make my own choices. Someone who sees me as a person, not a project or a possession." She met his eyes. "You give me all of those things."
"I want to give you so much more."
She smiled. "I hope you do, because I want a future with you."
His mouth went dry. "I want a future with you, too."
She took a breath. "I'm not saying now. I'm too young, you're right about that. But someday, if we are still together, I would want to make it official."
"Arezoo." He turned to face her fully, taking both her hands. "I'm ready to take that step today."
She laughed nervously. "Not yet."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small box. "Don't panic. This is not a ring. Just something pretty that I got for you on a whim."
Her eyes sparkled with interest, but she didn't reach for it. "It's not my birthday."
"I know, but it's our three-month anniversary."
"Is it?"
He nodded, even though that wasn't why he had bought the bracelet.
"I didn't get you anything. I didn't even realize it has been three months."
"You've given me a kiss." He opened the box and pulled out the bracelet. "I knew I had to get it for you the moment I saw it."
She gasped. "It's beautiful."
"Can I put it on your wrist?"
Nodding, she extended her hand.
When he closed the clasp, Arezoo dangled the little book charm in front of her eyes, looking delighted.
"I think this deserves at least one more kiss. Probably two."
He leaned in, and she took it from there.
This kiss was slower, sweeter, full of unspoken promises and dreams just beginning to take shape. When they parted, Arezoo's cheeks were pink and Ruvon felt like he could fly.
17
ELUHEED
