Page 53 of Kiss the Dawn
“I was wondering how you and Ezekiel will get along.”
The corner of his mouth lifted. “We’ll find a way. After all, we share a common interest. I’ll speak to him once I return from the city.”
“And how long will that be?” I kept my tone light, but the smile on his face told me that he knew exactly what I was doing.
“A week at most. Will you miss me?”
I rolled my eyes, preparing to make a quip then abandoned the idea with a sigh. “I think I’ve been missing you for months now.”
His expression grew serious. “Who would have thought that the right time and place would be now…would be here…” He kissed me softly this time, then cupped my face and kissed me again before climbing off the bed.
He adjusted his clothes and raked his fingers through his hair. “We’ll be approaching the city soon.” His hot gaze roved up and down my sated body, and he blew out a breath. “I’ll leave you to get dressed.”
I offered him a kitten grin. “Or you could stay and watch.”
The silver rim of his irises glowed for a moment,and he shook his head and exhaled. “I’m not a saint, Orina. There’s a limit to my self-control.” He slipped from the room, leaving me with the intense desire to test that control.
I’d definitely have to do that when he returned from the city.
But for now, it was time to step back into watcher mode.
When I climbedout of the RV outside my new apartment at midnight, Kaster stood waiting patiently by the entrance. His black-on-black ensemble turned him into a classy shadow, and I was forced to remind myself that he was no longer mine.
I raised a hand in greeting, then turned back to Lorenzo framed in the RV doorway. “You texted him?”
“I did. You shouldn’t be alone tonight. Not after what happened on the Isle.”
I gritted my teeth against the memory. “I’m fine.”
“Yes, because we distracted ourselves on the ride here, but what happened on the Isle will leave a scar. You almost died, Orina. I watched you almost fucking die, and I know I’ll have nightmares about that for some time, so I can only imagine what it might be like for you. Kaster will stay with you tonight, and either Hemlock or Ordell will tomorrow night.”
His tone brooked no argument, and I wasn’t sure whether to be touched or annoyed. But when I thought about it, I was simply tired, and my tone reflected that. “I’m not afraid of nightmares, Lorenzo. I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can. But you don’t always have to.”
I nodded. “In that case, thank you.” I pushed up on my toes and kissed his cheek, but as I came down, he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me back for a passionate kiss that had heat surging up my body.
“I’ll see you soon, Orina Lighthart.”
I grinned up at him, drunk on that kiss. “Soon.”
I stepped back from the curb as the RV drove off, then crossed to Kaster, who watched me with dark eyes.
I held out my hand, and he took it with a smile that had an edge of sadness to it. A fizz raced over my skin and filled my head. His voice followed soon after.
If you give too many pieces of your heart away, then how will you break the curse?he asked.
I don’t think love works that way. I don’t think it has such limits. I think that the more you love, the more you have to give.
He’d relegated us to friends because he was certain a relationship with him would distract my heart because of how wholly he would consume me, but I loved Ordell and was falling for three other guys, and neither my heart nor mind felt taxed by it. It felt…natural.
I studied his face, watching for a shift in understanding, a change tohisheart maybe.
He dropped his gaze, cutting me off from the windows to his soul.
Let’s get you inside. I took the liberty of buying some food and other essentials.
I didn’t have the energy to argue or debate with him. And as much as I wanted him, he needed to want me too.
