Page 90 of For Wrath and Redemption
“Sorry,” I say quickly as I hand it to her. “I probably should have wrapped it.”
“No, it’s fi—whoa.”
“Oh, careful. It’s heavy.”
She laughs and sets the bag on her lap. Then she flicks her eyes up to me.
“You can sit next to me. I won’t bite.”
I’m so nervous, I can’t even crack a sex joke. I just plop onto the cushion next to her.
“Do I get any hints?”
I shake my head. “No. Just open it. I’m dying over here.”
She huffs out another laugh, but she mercifully opens the velvet bag, and I hold my breath.
She gasps when she pulls out the thick wooden board inside. She sets it on the table carefully, then runs her fingers lightly over the top. The rose gold border shimmers in the overhead light. It’s the perfect accent to the black polished wood and black and white tiled squares.
I watch intently as she opens the drawer on the board, her fingers trembling as she pulls out the stone chess pieces. Each one has a band of rose gold along the bottom, and as she places them on the board, she sucks in a shaky breath.
“Do you like it?” I whisper.
She looks up at me with tears in her eyes. She nods but doesn’t speak.
“It’s not custom. I didn’t have the patience for that. But I had it overnighted from Italy, and your name is engraved on the back. I, um...I thought you’d like it. I wanted to get you something to show how much I appreciate you.”
Her tears fall faster as she turns the chess board around, sees the engraving, then she laughs. “Trouble? That’s not my name.”
I grin, but I stay quiet, and her smile softens.
“Thank you. I love it.”
“Yeah? Are you sure? Because I can send it back.”
“No. Don’t do that. I love it. It’s honestly...It’s honestly the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever been given. I just...” She shakes her head and hiccups on a sob. “I don’t know what to say.”
I cup her face and wipe the tears on her cheeks with my thumbs. Then I drop my forehead to hers.
“I’m so fucking sorry, Claire. I really am. I hate that I hurt you. I hate it. I need you to know that. I see you. I appreciate you. I’m fucking in awe of you half the time, and I’m so fucking sorry.”
I feel her cheeks move under my hands. A smile. She’s smiling.
“What about the other half?”
Now I smile. “The other half you’re a pain in my ass.”
She laughs and shakes her head. I caress her skin with my thumb. “I’m so sorry, Claire. I’ve never been more sorry.”
“I believe you.”
Then her mouth is on mine, gliding smoothly, wet with tears. I hold her closer, but I let her lead. It’s soft and tender. It makes my chest hurt. It makes my heart thud hard into my rib cage. It’s everything I’ve ever fucking wanted.
Words I’ve never said form in the back of my mind. Powerful words. Terrifying words. I’ve never felt anything more fiercely. I’ve never been so sure of anything. I want to say them. I want to set them free and relieve myself of this soul-deep ache. I want to, but I don’t.
I let myself revel in this kiss. A kiss I’m so fucking grateful for from a woman who’s too good to be true.
I don’t deserve her. I’m sure of it.
