Page 29 of Reign of Light
My chin wobbles, but his fingers still it, grasping it between his thumb and pointer and turning my face back toward him. Deep pools of teal scan between my eyes as his grip pulls me closer. “Even with the way it all turned out, knowing we’re spending eternity here, you still gave them something they didn’t have before. That’s bravery and sacrifice befitting a queen.”
I settle my forehead on his, and my eyes fall closed as the current of the water rocks us gently, clutching each other beneath the rays of the suns.
“They deserve it. You deserve it. I couldn’t see it any other way.”
The corded muscles of his arms tighten around me as he clutches me to him. We stand there unmoving as peals of laughter and shouts echo on the beach over the crash of the waves, and I can’t help but feel content.
Completely content.
Despite all the heartache and subsequent joy at once again altered circumstances on Dawnlin, I am not alone. I’m in the arms of a man who would give up everything for me, who has seen me more than anyone in my life. I never thought I would have that, and if going through all of this was the only way to get it, then I would gladly deal with Dane and losing my future over and over again.
His lips find my skin, peppering it with kisses as he slowly moves along my jaw, nipping below my ear and causing my body to arch into his. His chest grumbles as I press into him. Even fully clothed and submerged in the cool water, I can already feel the heat building between my thighs.
“So,” I say, lifting my chin to give him better access as his kisses continue down my neck and across my collarbone, his hand reaching up only to brush my wet hair aside. “We have all this newfound freedom. What do you want to do today?”
He pulls away, leaning back so he can look me in the eye, and smiles softly.
“Live.”
CHAPTER NINE
Thunder rumbles in the distance, and I stir awake at the sound, stretching my body beneath the cool sheets. I reach across the bed, searching for Weston’s warmth, only to find it empty. My eyes are still heavy with sleep when I sit up, clutching the sheet to my chest. I peer into the room, searching through the darkness and shadows for Weston, but there’s no sign of him.
Worry coats my stomach as I throw the sheets back and slide out of bed, finding Weston’s shirt quickly and slipping it over my head. I pad across the room, the door no longer locking me in when I turn the handle and step into the hallway, glancing down the steps and across the way toward the crew, only to find everything empty and silent with slumber.
By now, I’ve gotten used to him disappearing first thing in the morning to open the ship and make sure anyone who is on the island returns safely, but it isn’t morning. The sky is still dark, and not just from the storm clouds I assume are overhead from the continued sound of thunder.
Where is he?
I take the steps to the main deck quickly, my bare feet hitting the wooden boards soundlessly. My worry drifts away the moment I peek over the threshold, and my eyes fall on him, sitting on the rail of the ship, feet dangling over the side as he looks out over the water toward land. Shadows settle in every groove of his muscular back and slumped shoulders. He hasn’t heard me, probably from the sound of the churning water and the wind whistling through the sails, so I take the opportunity to just watch him. My eyes trace over his body, and all the tells it gives me.
For someone who was so alive and relaxed earlier today, he’s feeling none of that now. I still can’t believe that after living a life of never truly knowing another person, I have someone that I know well enough to tell how they are feeling just by looking.
And Weston is feeling.
Lightning flashes in the distance, followed by the rumble of thunder a few seconds later. I take advantage of the additional noise and pad across the deck. In times of his internal turmoil, he needs someone to be there beside him. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere, and I want him to know that.
He turns his head over his shoulder just as I reach him, always in tune with my presence, even in the beginnings of a storm. My fingertips skim along his waist as I wrap my arms around him and press my cheek into his back, soaking up his heat. His hands grip my forearms, and my skin erupts in goosebumps as his thumbs gently stroke the sensitive skin under my wrists.
“Couldn’t sleep?” My voice, hoarse with sleep, was made even worse from the time spent playing and yelling on the beach today.
My head rises and falls with his back as he lets out a deep sigh. “No.”
“Nightmare?” I tilt my chin while still staying pressed into him, if only so I can try to see his face.
He shakes his head. “No.”
I tug on my arms and he releases them, albeit reluctantly, so I can step to his side. Gripping the rail, I pull myself up and swing one leg after the other over before sitting, my legs dangling just as his are. The coarse palm of his hand finds my thigh, and he shifts his body closer to me so our legs are touching. I grip the rail harder and fight off a shiver as his hand gently slides up my skin, settling on my inner thigh. There’s just enough pressure that I know he’s not only steadying me so I don’t fall but also reveling in my touch.
I’m still not used to how easily he touches me, not after we spent months avoiding any sort of physical contact. Now, I know he craves it just as much as I do.
We sit in silence for a few minutes, the night air punctuated only by the occasional bout of thunder and the familiar crash of waves.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I finally ask, but keep my gaze forward, not wanting to pressure him.
“Only with you.”
Warmth blooms in my chest, and his fingers flex on my thigh as he lets out a harsh breath. “Am I making the right decision?”
