I lifted his muscular arm with my hand, and slowly poured the liquid magic over the wound. I watched in awe as the tissue began to mend right before my eyes, but it was so deep it would still need a bandage, or possibly stitches. I then moved to his chest, which wasn’t nearly as bad. “You’ll have to lean back a bit.”
He obliged, his eyes never leaving mine. I swallowed hard trying not to look directly at him. I knew if I did, at this close proximity, I’d be a goner. I focused on his chest, and poured the liquid over the cut. It wasn’t deep, so it instantly sealed. I gasped, instinctually grazing my fingers over the healed wound.
Kade took hold of my hand, and our eyes connected. That was it. My heart did a twist, and before I knew it, he let himself fall backward, bringing me on top of him. He locked his arms tightly around me, our bodies fit perfectly together, our faces inches apart.
We were alone, the two of us, secluded in a safe room, far from the others. The only sound in the room was that of our hard breathing. This was something real, something true, something the bond didn’t have any part in. I looked deep into his beautiful eyes, and saw something I’d never seen before.
Unconditional love.
A rush of sadness overwhelmed me as I thought of a life without him in it.
“Emma?” Kade whispered. My emotions took over, and tears instantly welled, burning my eyes and spilling out onto his cheek.
“I’m sorry,” I sobbed. I shook my head and rolled to my back, off to the side of him.
“What’s the matter?” His chest pressed up against my side, and his fingers gently brushed the dampened hair from my cheeks.
“Nothing,” I lied.
“You know you can tell me anything,” he said.
“No, I can’t. I wish I could, but… I can’t.” I wept openly, feeling horrible. My insides ached with not being able to tell him why I couldn’t speak.
“Why? I don’t understand.” His saddened eyes gazed longingly into mine, tearing my heart apart.
I turned away from him, but everything inside me wanted to turn toward him, feel his arms wrap around me, and tell me everything was going to be okay.
Instead I whispered, “I’m sorry.”
“Is it because you don’t want to be with me?” His voice sounded weak. “If it’s true just tell me now. I will promise to stay away.”
Hot tears streamed from my eyes as my heart was being pulverized over and over again. I knew this would happen if we were ever alone. It was too much to bear. This burden was wearing me down.
I turned to face him and placed my hand softly on his cheek. “Never. Wanting to be apart from you is the furthest thing from the truth. I do want to be with you. You have been there for me, guarding and protecting me when I didn’t even know your name. You held my hand when I needed you most, and even gave your life for me. It’s never been a matter of if I want to be with you. I do. But there are some major complications now, and I – I just can’t deal with it anymore. Please don’t make me talk about it,” I sobbed.
From the day he walked into my room at the hospital and our eyes connected, so did our hearts. Yes, the bond played a huge part of it, but even without the bond, it was still there and very strong between us.
“Hey, it’s alright,” he said sitting up, pulling me into his arms.
My head rested against his chest. This was exactly where I wanted to be, enveloped in his warmth and love. I pressed myself closer to him, breathing in his sweet scent.
“You don’t have to say anything, Emma. I just want you to know that I’ll be here for you. Always,” he reassured. “I know you’re scared. But I am too… of losing you. You don’t ever have to be afraid of giving your heart to me. I will make sure to fill it with love, at least for the rest of my life,” he said, then frowned. “But I am preparing my heart for the most reasonable choice because I know Ethon can protect you, and take care of you for the rest of your life.”
“You will always have a part of my heart,” I said, hugging him tight. Everything inside of me was warring, fighting hard not to say a word. I wanted to tell him the truth.
“And you have all of mine.” He kissed my forehead.
“Kade,” I sobbed.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered. “Everything’s going to be alright.”
I hoped he was right. There was something about his eyes. They emitted so much love, sincerity, and tenderness. They spoke so loud, without him uttering a single word. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his.
I felt him smile against my lips, then he kissed me harder. His kiss was like a magic potion, making me dizzy, sending tingles to every part of my body. His fingers gently grazed the small of my back, making me quiver. I placed my hands on his back, and paused for a moment as I felt his scars.