Page 110 of Promise of Darkness
“One day I will tell you everything.” Thiago reaches across to stroke my hand. “I promise.”
There’s no point arguing. It makes me insatiably curious, but then, I have my own secrets. I raise my glass to him and now. “Tonight is for us.”
The server brings out steaming dish after steaming dish.
There are sweet loaves baked in some sort of leaf, and a spicy rice dish that complements the fish perfectly. Rich goat’s cheese, thin wafers, and all manner of fruits spread across a platter that barely fits on the table. And finally, little cakes drizzled in honey, which I’m forced to lick from my fingers.
“Maia’s breath, that was so good,” I moan, once I’m finished and can no longer fit anything else inside me. “You may have to carry me to the castle.”
Thiago’s eyes light with a familiar fire. “I was about to suggest the same.”
I eye those broad shoulders. “I may need three mules and a wagon to do that.”
His smile softens, though there’s an odd sense of satisfaction to it rather than amusement.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing.”
My eyes narrow. “That wasn’t nothing. You have that smile you sometimes wear, as if I’ve done something amusing.”
“You seemed quiet today,” Thiago replies. “It’s nice to see the familiar spark in your eyes. That’s all. I wasn’t sure how long it would take for you to accept this.”
“How long does it usually take?”
“That depends. Usually, the spell unwinds the longer you’re with me, and memories start leeching in.”
“I don’t quite know what to make of all this,” I admit. “I’ve spent weeks avoiding you, because I could sense something was wrong. You don’t know what that feels like, to be aware of secrets whispered every time your back is turned.”
It’s almost a relief to know what they were all keeping from me.
Even if it presents a new dilemma.
“And… I don’t know you.” It’s a soft, strained confession. “Oh, perhaps I’ve started to know you as a man, but not as my husband. And it feels like…. It feels….”
I don’t want to put it into words that might hurt him.
Thiago captures my hand, his thumb rasping over the fleshy pad at the base of mine. “Truth,” he says. “Always truth between us. Don’t ever be afraid to say what you think to me. It might not be what I want to hear, but I’d much prefer that, rather than wondering if you’re too afraid to speak plainly.” He leans forward. “I know this has all been a shock. I know it’s all new. Iknowyou, Vi. And while I might wish I was in your bed, I’m content to wait until you’re ready. You don’t owe me anything you don’t want to give tonight, Vi.”
It releases some of the tension in my shoulders.
“It feels confusing.” I squeeze his hand back. “I think I was almost more at ease with you when I didn’t know the truth.”
Because back then, there’d been no pressure.
No expectations.
What if I cannot love him?
I try to curl my fingers into a ball, but he won’t let me.
“Give me time, Vi. That’s all I ask.”
Yes, but how much time do we have?I’m aware of the slow, stealthy march of days and nights, sweeping me toward an inevitable clash with my mother.
Those gentle fingers stroke their way across my palm. It sends shivers through me. “Perhaps I can set your mind at ease. Ask me anything, and I’ll do my best to answer.”
“Anything?”
