Page 173 of The Dragon's Gambit
“Especially if you have a bad dream. I’ll stay with you and chase away your nightmares.” His blue eyes met hers, a soft smile resting on his lips.
“I’ll try not to bother you with little things.”
“No, Reiya. You will never be a bother. Call me for anything ... even if it’s just someone to talk to.”
He lowered his hand and allowed her hair to sift through his fingers. Being near her was incredible. How would he leave her side? Dare he say he loved her already? How long could hekeep his beast in check? How long would he be able to hold off without tasting her? He wanted her to choose him ... he wanted her to feel the pull. So, he would wait ... wait to taste her pink, plump, luscious lips. Wait to sear her with his heat. Wait until she … hopefully ... wanted him as well.
They ended up sitting near the lake. He listened to her talk for hours. Just being near her made him happy. He showed her a bit about her element. He even held her hand as he showed her how to manipulate standing water. But all too soon, the day was over, and he was going to have to leave her side. He could travel to her in an instant, but it wasn’t the same.
“I’ll walk you home,” he whispered, placing his hand on her head. This allowed him to touch her without anyone thinking it was inappropriate. It at least allowed him to fill some of his need to be close to her. It allowed him to touch heaven, even if only briefly.
And when he left her that night, he didn’t really leave. He stayed there, watching her from a distance.
Life for him would never be the same, for he had finally found the one who could tame his savage beast. The person whose gentle touch could soothe his raging storm. She was the woman he had always hoped to find, the one he could see himself spending the rest of his life with. It only took a moment for his heart to be captured. He would give it to her willingly. Nothing would ever be the same ... but it would be better. Because he had found her, his beautiful Reiya ... his fairy.
