Page 73 of Risks of Temptation
"How do you know what my tattoos mean?"
I shrug. "I studied the meanings. They fascinate me."
"You did?"
"Yes."
"But you don't have one?"
"No. I never knew what would represent me. But everything you stand for is clear." I glide back to the eye in the triangle and press on the teardrop under it. "This means you've killed someone. You don't put it on your face, but you still display it on your body."
He firmly holds my chin and tilts my head up. "Emilia, you are not a killer. I don't want you to be one now or ever. I would never want you to be in a position you had to think about it, either."
"I don't want to kill. But my point is, you thrive in danger. You wouldn't be living if you didn't have it. So am I wrong to feel something besides fear when it's present?"
He lowers his voice. "There are other ways to experience life, ma belle."
"Do you want me to be afraid all the time?"
"No."
"It's one or the other, Malin. There's no in-between."
He closes his eyes and breathes deeply a few times.
I pull his head down. "Do you not want me if I'm no longer scared? Hmm?"
He opens his eyes. "Of course not."
"Isn't a woman who's brave sexier than one who's a coward?"
"You've never been a coward."
I take the back of my fingers and caress his cheek. "I was. I don't want to be one anymore. Can you understand my need to change?"
He sighs. "Yes. But who you are, deep down, promise me you won't throw her away."
My heart skips a beat. "Promise." I kiss him, happy to be wrapped in his arms.
He pulls back and tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear. "If Kalim is looking for us, we're going to have to do our best to avoid him."
I glance across the river. The water is rushing quickly, and I'm not a good swimmer. "How deep do you think it is?"
"Probably not over my head."
My butterflies anxiously flutter. You can do this. It's just a stream.
"Ma belle, can you swim?"
"I haven't a lot. I typically doggie paddle."
His lips twitch.
I elbow him. "It's not funny."
"What if you put the backpack on your back, and I give you a piggyback ride?"
"The current looks strong."
