Dark Light (The Dark Light Series)(112)

“You really shouldn’t concern yourself with that. I’m a big girl. And besides, how do you think Dorian would react to what you are saying right now? Or what Jared would think about you trying to get back with Dorian right before dating him?” I casually pick up a Caterpillar roll with my chopsticks and pop it in my mouth with ease. Morgan signals for more sake, seeing exactly where this heated exchange is heading.

“I’ve underestimated you, Gabriella,” Aurora says darkly. The sweet and innocent act has dissipated. Miss Prim and Proper has an ugly side. “I apologize. No hard feelings?”

“None at all,” I reply, matching her ominous expression.

When we have arrived back at the house, I am in desperate need of some alone time. The guys are still out snowboarding and Aurora and Morgan have decided to watch a movie in the living room. I grab my iPod and one of the extra blankets and head outside. The sun’s warmth is infectious, and I instantly feel better. I sit on the wooden porch swing, wrap the blanket around me then let the music envelop me.

The sunshine feels so good and comforting; I allow my eyes to close and my mind to wander. I think of the days when the most exciting events were ones spent with my closest friends, going out and causing havoc. I think about how close I was with my parents. There was nothing I withheld from them. And I think of Jared- how much he once meant to me. How I would do anything for him, be anything for him. Oh, how times have changed.

Suddenly a gust of cold wind blows past me, causing me to shiver. It’s no longer bright; something has eclipsed the sunshine beaming down on me. Light has abandoned me. My eyes pop open with alarm only to be met by the bluest irises I have ever seen.

Dorian. He’s here.

I quickly sit up and spin around to meet him. He is just as gorgeous as I remember him- smooth olive skin, black hair, perfectly full lips, long, dark lashes. I am instantly elated and soothed by his presence.

“You’re here,” I smile, pulling out my earphones. I realize it’s the first genuine one I’ve had for days, weeks even.

“I am. I missed you.” Dorian leans forward and presses his lips against mine. He pulls away too soon for my satisfaction.

“I missed you too,” I breathe. “So much.” Having him here now makes me realize just how much I have craved Dorian. Feeling the tension and fear literally melt away, I realize how miserable I have been since the last time we were together. My need for him is evolving into an addiction.

“Mmmm. Well, you’ll have to show me just how much that was,” he says wickedly. Oh hell yes; my Dorian is back.

“I can’t wait,” I say biting my bottom lip in anticipation.

Dorian holds out his hand to help me up. I eagerly place mine in his and stand. Feeling his skin on mine sends the familiar shockwaves throughout my entire body. The sensation causes my heart to sputter and ignites a flame down in my belly. Every nerve ending feels as if it being kissed with electricity. Fireworks.

“I have something for you,” he murmurs as we enter the house.

We walk towards the living room and I brace myself for the staggered expression that is sure to be etched on Aurora’s face. Of course, she doesn’t disappoint.

“Dorian! Uh, I didn’t know you were here,” she stammers. Morgan simply beams at the both of us.

“That’s because I just arrived. Now if you’ll excuse me, Gabriella and I have some catching up to do.”

With that, Dorian escorts me to my room and closes the door. He knows exactly where it is without me having to tell him and his carry-on bag is already there. I know it’s odd, considering Morgan and Aurora didn’t see him come in, but I don’t question it. I’m just happy he’s here. Nothing else matters.

“I got this for you while I was away.”

Dorian removes a gift bag and hands it to me. I receive it tentatively and peek inside, pulling out a cerulean blue lace negligee. It’s the same color blue he wore the Sunday before he left for Greece, and it’s gorgeous. I look up and smile brightly at him. Before I can show him just how thankful I am, he pulls out another gift. This time a little box.

“And this. It reminded me of you.”

I open the box and gaze upon the beautiful pendent attached to a white gold chain. A single cultured pearl cradled by dazzling white diamonds, and then those diamonds are surrounded by black diamonds. So simple and understated, yet complex. Like me. It’s incredible and I am struck speechless.

“Do you like it?” Dorian asks after a few moments of me staring at it in awe.

“Oh my God, Dorian. I love it. It’s gorgeous.” I look up at him with grateful eyes. He’s so in tuned to what I want before I even know I want it. “It’s perfect.”