Reading Online Novel

Gilded Wings(35)



“Thank you,” I whispered.

“For what?” he questioned.

“For finding a way. I really needed this. I needed you.”

“We both did,” he answered.

I kissed him one more time before releasing him. “I’ll see you inside.”

He winked. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

During dinner I tried to keep my head in the moment, but it kept spinning and spinning with unwanted stress. Kade, Ethon, Samuel, Lucian, Lucifer. I felt like I was headed on a downward spiral, out of control, ready to crash and burn.

Before I knew it, dinner was over. I was sitting there for over an hour, and the whole thing was a complete blur. I vaguely remembered laughing and smiling but didn’t remember why.

Would this ever end? Would I be able to enjoy my life without stress or worry?

I hugged Courtney and Caleb goodnight, feeling bad I hadn’t given them my full attention, but they didn’t even seem to notice.

“Have a safe flight,” I said to Courtney as she stood up from the table.

She hugged me back. “Thank you. Please be safe, Emma.”

“I’ll try,” I smiled.

“You better do a little more than try,” Caleb answered. “I’m looking forward to hearing good news before we get back.”

“Alright. I’ll do my best to stay alive until you get back,” I said, holding my hand out to him for a shake. “Good?”

“That’ll do,” he said, forgoing the hand and leaning over to hug me.

Alaine stepped forward and wrapped me in her arms. “Try and get some rest, sweetheart,” she said, softly kissing my cheek. “You look very tired.”

I nodded. “I will.”

She smiled then escorted Courtney and Caleb out.

I doubted I’d get to see them off because they were leaving at five in the morning. By that time, I should be back, tucked safely in bed, sleeping.

James, Alex, and Malachi also left early, trying to get back to the cabin so they could claim a bed to sleep on. I guess with only two beds in the cabin, the rest had to sleep on the floor.

I glanced around and noticed Kade standing in a corner of the room, casually chatting with Thomas and Dominic. Henry was walking a few caterers out, and one man was clearing the tables.

Looking at the scene, I all of a sudden felt so lost and alone. And the only thing that could remedy my loneliness was Kade’s touch. His touch was like an elixir which I craved. I wanted nothing more than to be wrapped in his arms, a blanket of strength and love. Arms that offered me hope, tenderly caressing the wounds and scars no one else could see.

Here he was standing in the same room, less than one hundred steps away, and because of the stupid bond, we weren’t allowed to be together – for both of our sakes.

That was some grade A bullshit.

My emotions quickly overwhelmed me, sending a flow of tears down my cheeks, filled with anger and uncertainty. I wasn’t going to let fear rule my life. Not anymore.

I walked toward him and without speaking, wrapped my arms around his neck and buried my face in his chest and cried.

“Hey, what happened?” Dom questioned, with a bit of anger in his words. “Whose ass do we need to kick?”

I shook my head, unable to answer.

Kade wrapped his arms around me. “She’ll be fine. Can you guys give us a minute?”

“Sure,” Thomas answered. “Come on, Dom.”

“I’m serious, man. If there is someone messing with her, you let me know. I’ll take care of it. Quick and easy,” Dom said.

“Alright. Thanks, man,” Kade answered.

“Let’s go,” Thomas said. I heard Dom exhale, then their footsteps walking away.

“Hey, what’s the matter?” Kade whispered softly in my ear.

“I need you. I feel like my world is falling apart, and you’re the only one who can hold me together. I just need you to hold me. Please. Only for a little while.”

He laid his head on mine. “I’ll hold you as long as you need, and even longer if you’ll let me.”

That’s all I wanted. His embrace was magical. It warmed me and made me feel as if it were mending all of my broken pieces.

We stood silent, anchored to each other for a lengthy amount of time, and he never once loosened his arms around me. He held me tight, slowly rocking side to side. His steady heartbeat against my ear nearly put me to sleep. I felt so relaxed for the first time in a long time, and wished I could have stayed in his arms forever. It was my safe place. In his arms, I felt peaceful. His love was free, unconstrained, and came with no worry.

When I finally felt strong enough to let go, I slowly released my arms from his neck. “Thank you, for always being here when I need you,” I breathed.