Page 37 of Fallen
Smoothing my hair and straightening my armor, I gathered the ether and prepared to appear at her side, ready to take what I had denied myself all along.
Chapter 18
Anna Sill
Present Day
Sparingly,Istrokedthelinseed oil across the canvas, enjoying the way the bristles slid across the tooth of the material, imagining the oil soaking into the crevices, waiting for the first layer of paint.
Something spicy, with a smoky undertone, floated in the air—a tantalizing tease that made my heartbeat double its rhythm.
I laid my brush onto an empty area of the palette. My chest swelled. It had been so long since I’d seen the man who haunted my dreams. How many times had I yearned to trace his face under my fingertips again, to feel the firm press of his lips against mine, to share my new experiences with college?
I knew our kiss last year must’ve scared him because he rarely stayed away this long, but I was a woman now and I knew what I wanted.Him. If he’ll have me.
“Lucian?” I breathed, barely daring to believe what my nose told me.
Warmth breath stirred near my face. “Yes, it is me, dear Anna.” His fingers gently squeezed my shoulder. “I’m glad to see you still paint.”
His breathing stopped. Nothing stirred in the apartment, telling me he remained in place.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” A slight exhale. “You have exceptional talent, dear one.”
“Thank you.” I smiled, stuffing my hands into the pockets of the smock covering my clothing. “Where have you been? I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“I’m finally free from the orphanage. And you know what's even better? I won a small scholarship to the local art school. Isn’t that awesome?” Words gushed out from me and I was unable to control myself. I’d waited for so long to tell Lucian how lucky I’d been.
His palm cupped my cheek, the warmth bleeding through my jawbone and down my cheek. “I am not surprised.”
I lifted my face upward.How I want to kiss him.
“You have such talent.”
“Thanks.” I reached to my hair, ensuring the hairpin he’d given me last year stayed put. For some reason, I always obsessed over it, ensuring it didn’t get lost.
“Happy Birthday,” he whispered in his deep voice.
“You remembered.” Chills rushed across my skin at his recollection of my special day. I mean, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised considering who he was, but it still made my heart happy.
“Of course I did.” His other hand rested on my neck, my pulse beating against his skin.
“I have roommates now and my own bedroom. It’s nice not being alone anymore.” I tentatively rested my hands on his muscular upper arms. He didn't back away or seem put out at my contact.
“I’m sorry I have not visited as much.” Carefully, he curved his hand around my neck. “It's…it’s sometimes hard for me to leave Hell.” His touch was so light on my skin I could barely feel the contact, as if he were afraid of me.
But that’s crazy, right?“You’re here right now, that’s all that matters.”
“My Anna,” he sighed, the whisper of his breath fanning across my face, his body so close I could’ve reached out and caressed his face. Yet I didn’t. Something in his voice gave me pause. There was a thickness in those two words—my Anna—that strained him somehow.
“What is it, Lucian?” I lifted my head upward, fighting the urge to trace his beautiful eyebrows, to feel if the frown in his tone showed on his forehead.
“You are so lovely.” His grip on my neck tightened and his fingers stroked my throat.
Fire rushed through my blood.He makes me feel things I can't explain, don'twantto explain. I only want more of him.
