Gilded Wings(34)

He combed his fingers through his thick brown hair. Every time he did that, it took my breath away. I was crazy about him - the way he carried himself, his perfect smile, his glimmering eyes, his charisma.

He was standing right under the flawless statue, carved from his likeness. A perfect reminder of who he really was… my Guardian angel. Kade turned and our eyes connected. His hazel eyes were gleaming just as bright as his beautiful smile. For that brief moment in time, we were frozen. One heart captured by the other.

“Well?” she asked again, her eyes intently watching me.

A smile rose even higher on my lips. My eyes still locked onto his. “Yes.” I answered assuredly. “I am in love with him.”

“I knew it. I just wanted to hear you say it,” she giggled.

“I know where my true heart lies,” I breathed out loud, but the words were meant for me. The feelings I had with Kade were just as strong as the bond itself, if not stronger. The pull between us wasn’t one that needed to be forced, it just was.

“Then, why don’t you two just be together?” she asked.

“I wish it were that simple,” I sighed.

“Well, maybe it is and you’re just complicating it more than you should,” she said, shrugging.

I turned to her and grinned. “I’m really gonna miss you, little sister.”

Her smile rose from ear to ear. “It’s only for a few weeks. And when I get back, we are going to do more sisterly things.”

“Deal.”

When I looked back I noticed the guys walking toward the tables, but Kade stayed back. He discreetly motioned for me to come, then proceeded to walk back out into the hallway.

“Hey, I’ll be right back,” I said, leaning over to Courtney. “I need to use the restroom.”

“Alright. I’ll save your seat,” she chimed.

I stood and proceeded to walk out, when Thomas called, “Hey where are you going?”

“To the bathroom. Do you care to follow me?” I asked, a little snarky in hopes he would say no.

“Nope. I think you’ve got this. Don’t wander, and come right back,” he replied.

“Yes, sir,” I saluted.

“Funny,” he said, unamused.

I laughed and quickly made my way toward the hall, sighing in relief.

Kade wasn’t there when I exited, but I saw him glance around the corner of the foyer and wink. I quickly made my way toward him, my heart pitter-pattering, my knees shaking.

Before I reached the end, I quickly glanced behind me to make sure no one was following. The hall was empty.

As soon as I rounded the corner, I was enveloped in his embrace. His warm lips pressed against mine for a quick moment, stealing my breath. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered, hugging me closer.

“I’ve missed you, too,” I said, hugging him back. His sweet scent wrapped around me.

The feeling of being in his arms was like nothing else in the world.

“How are you holding up?” he asked.

“As fine as any person could be in my shoes,” I sighed. “Alaine still doesn’t have any answers, and I’m really starting to get worried.”

“We still have a week. Samuel left this morning to do some of his own searching.”

“Where did he go?” I gasped. I hadn’t seen him since the attack, and knowing he was out there alone made me worry.

“I don’t know. He didn’t say. He just told us he’d be back, and I don’t think he wanted anyone to know where he was going. Samuel’s good at being hidden. He’s done it for so long, I wouldn’t worry about him too much.”

I nodded, my mind tormented at the thought of him ever getting hurt.

“Hey,” he whispered, steadying my face to meet his. “He’ll be fine, and we still have time.”

I forced a smile, nodding again. I wrapped my arms around his neck and brought him down until our faces were an inch apart.

“Kiss me?”

“You never have to ask,” he breathed.

I pressed my lips to his, and an inferno erupted between us. Passion and longing filled me, and poured out to him. His gentle hands held my face, while soft wet lips claimed mine, making the world around us fade away.

Floating high on a cloud, and never wanted it to end, but his lips left mine much too soon, lingered painfully close. I could feel his breath brush across my lips, making me tingle.

“We should get back,” he said softly, pressing his lips against mine again. “They’ll come out looking for you.”

“Mhmmm,” I nodded, humming against his mouth. It was the only thing I could do, since he’d left me dizzy and speechless.

He quickly kissed the tip of my nose and chuckled.