He pulled far enough away to stare into my eyes, and I felt a powerful sense of gratitude, relief, residual trauma from his fear of my potential death and a love so strong it washed over me with warmth and contentment. He couldn’t speak, and instead was letting me into his mind.
Tears welled up with the surge of tender emotion that threatened to close my throat. I reached up to caress his jaw, my fingers loving the rough feel of his dark, scruffy whiskers. He leaned into my hand, briefly closing his eyes.
“Don’t cry, lin’de,” he murmured gruffly, though it seemed as though his own eyes were suspiciously moist. “Everything is going to be all right now.”
“I wasn’t sure I would ever see you again,” I whispered tremulously. The tears traced in rivulets toward my temples, and Ryder gently wiped them away with his thumbs. He then framed my face delicately and stole a soft, lingering kiss that took my breath away.
“I would never let that happen,” he uttered fiercely, staring into my eyes.
Love, happiness and contentment layered me in a warm, comforting blanket. I pulled him down for another kiss, wanting more time to say the things I needed to say, but knowing his father was waiting for us.
“Why is your father here?” I asked against Ryder’s lips.
“He wanted to speak with you.”
“Not here to kill me or anything?”
“I can confirm that.” He gave a shaky grin.
I was wearing the camisole and sleep pants I’d brought with me from my apartment. Ryder must have dressed me, which was a naughty thought I hoped to pursue at a later time. After slipping on Ryder’s robe for modesty’s sake, I found Talon standing by the sliding doors, looking out over the night, listening to the crashing waves. He turned as I appeared and gave me a smile reminiscent of his son’s, which helped to alleviate some of the butterflies I felt in my gut. I had no idea why he would want to see me. He was dressed in his nation’s version of military fatigues.
“I’m glad to see you’re all right, Taylor,” he stated kindly.
“Uh, thanks.” I gave him a tentative smile. “Would you like to sit? Have a drink?”
“Thank you, but today, I’m short on time. I have an apology to make. Miara nearly took my head off after our last meeting, and she helped me to see I was wrong in my treatment of you.” With a thoughtful frown, he paused to look down at the ground, as though gathering his thoughts. “You put your life at risk to protect hundreds of our citizens, but instead of properly honoring you, I ran you off. I’m ashamed for that, and I won’t offer excuses. The people of Te’re would like to thank you for your sacrifice in person. I also wanted to make sure you had these.” He held out the charms that I’d left behind from my mother’s bracelet.
“You want me to come back?” I asked, taking the charms gratefully. It had hurt to lose even one. They were all I had of her. I was otherwise in silent shock, watching a distinguished, naturally imperious man eat crow.
“I’d come to Ryder’s home to invite you personally. Fate deigned that I arrive as Ryder was preparing to depart, ready to battle for you.”
Fate. Wasn’t that an interesting way to view the events?
“Thank you for helping to free me.”
“It was only a small way I could offer my gratitude for your service to us, and we were able to apprehend villains who would have used the ore for harm against your people.”