Page 74 of Dark Island: Rescue
Arezoo almost started arguing, but then she realized he was right. The nervous energy coursing through her system needed somewhere to go, and eating would help settle her nerves. Besides, sharing a meal, just the two of them together, was not only romantic but also a great way to reset the evening and naturally get to what she was here for.
It had taken a lot of courage to do what she'd done,but now that she'd said what she came here to say, she wasn't sure she had the courage to act upon her words.
"Okay," she agreed.
As they sat at the dining table, Ruvon served the food while Arezoo tried to calm her nerves. Her hands were sweaty but surprisingly steady as she spooned rice onto her plate. As they ate and talked about nothing of consequence, some of her nervousness began to fade.
This was Ruvon—her best friend, her fiancé, the man she loved. There was nothing to be afraid of except for the darkness of the past casting shadows on the beauty and light of their relationship.
"You've barely eaten anything," Ruvon said after a while.
"I'm too nervous to eat much." Arezoo set down her fork. "My stomach is full of butterflies."
"You set the pace, Arezoo." Ruvon reached across the table to take her hand. "You do only what you are comfortable with. I have infinite patience when it comes to you."
Tears stung her eyes, and she squeezed his fingers. "You are truly one of a kind. I'm so lucky to have you."
He smiled at that. "And I'm lucky to have you. I'm honored that you chose me."
She hoped he hadn't said that because he thought that he was unworthy. Some people in the village were not fond of the former Doomers, which was understandable but unfair. These men were nothing like the ones who still belonged to the Brotherhood. Thanks to Kalugal, they'd shed the brainwashing and had chosen their own path.
"It's so strange," she said. "I want you, and I think I'm ready, but then I get anxious. Is that normal?"
"Very normal." His thumb traced circles on her palm. "For what it's worth, I'm nervous too."
"You are?" That surprised her. "But you're experienced. You've done this before."
He hadn't been traumatized by what had been done to him, not sexually anyway, but he had been traumatized by the brutality of the Brotherhood.
"I've never done it with the woman I love." Ruvon's voice was gentle, soothing, but his expression was intense. "I want it to be perfect for you. I want to make you feel safe and cherished. I just want it to be right."
The tenderness in his voice made Arezoo's chest tight with emotion. "It will be. Because it's you."
"I love you," she said when they stood next to the sink to wash the dishes.
"I love you too." Ruvon put down the drying towel, turned to her, and cupped her face, his touch infinitely gentle.
When he kissed her again and she melted against him, Arezoo realized something profound. This was about choosing love over fear and about reclaiming her body as her own and sharing it with someone worthy of the gift.
25
RUVON
The moment Arezoo's lips met Ruvon's, he felt the last threads of his carefully maintained control begin to fray. For months, he'd kept himself in check, restraining the desire that had been his constant companion since the day he'd met her. Every touch was carefully measured, every kiss deliberately chaste, always conscious of her trauma and her need for safety.
But right now, with her pressed against him, her hands sliding up his chest with growing boldness, it took every ounce of his willpower not to lose himself completely.
"Arezoo," he murmured against her mouth, trying to hold on to reason even as desire threatened to sweep it away.
"Kiss me more," she whispered, lifting her hands to cup the back of his head and undulating against him.
Fates, this was torture.
Ruvon deepened the kiss, but he kept his hands onher waist, feeling the heat emanating from her skin through the thin fabric of her dress. She tasted like honey, and radiated determination, and the small sound she made when his tongue swept against hers nearly undid him.
His fangs descended partially, responding to his arousal, and he had to be careful not to let them extend fully. She wasn't ready to see them, or at least he didn't believe she was. But the urge to take her and bite her, to induce her transition right here and now, was nearly overwhelming.
It wasn't just about his need for her. Above all, he needed to make her immortal and safe.
