Page 48 of Veiled Yearning

Before, we’d watch the sun rise and talk about anything and everything. We’d hold hands. Sometimes our legs would bump each other’s, sending little sizzles of desire running through me. Aside from my evenings with Gavril, the sunrise was my second-favorite part of the day.

But for the last few days, ever since our first kiss, my mornings are terrific.

Especially this morning.

Rather than waiting for me in the kitchen, Gavril came to my bedroom instead. Looking like a giant teddy bear, instead of the imposing man he is to everyone else, he gave me a shy smile and held out his hand.

Once we got to the solarium, where Gavril had already set up drinks and—oh, my, I nearly melted—a bouquet of flowers, he admitted quietly, “I wanted it to be more private. The kitchen is nice, but… I thought this might be better.”

And it is. Cuddling on the loveseat by the window, looking out at the sun rising over the trees, Gavril’s arm wrapped protectively around me—I can’t remember feeling more content. Happier.

I can’t remember my heart ever feeling like this. Like it’s expanding and squeezing at the same time, making mad loops in my chest, seizing and starting. Fluttering, speeding, feeling as if it could explode out of me.

To describe it; it sounds awful. Scary. But it’s the best feeling in the world.

No wonder I couldn’t understand love from books. There’s no way to describe it; not fully. It’s too much for words.

But I’m not in love with Gavril. It’s much too soon.

There have been no promises made; just a few days of kisses and cuddling by the fire and hands exploring under clothing. A few days of Gavril holding my hand openly, regardless of who’s around. Of his arm coming around my waist whenever he sees me, his lips pressing to the top of my head.

It’s more than I’ve had with any other man—this tenderness, this affection, the breathless feeling whenever Gavril comes near. But I don’t know what it means. Is this thing between us just temporary; destined to end when the battle with the Custodians is over? Or does he want more? Could he want the same things as me?

“You’re quiet.” Gavril touches my chin, tilting my face toward his. “Are you alright? Would you rather go somewhere else?” He casts a quick glance around the room. “I know this is where you work, so I wasn’t sure about coming in here to relax. But it has the best views of the sunrise.”

“It’s fine.” He looks unconvinced, so I try again. “Not just fine. It’s lovely. Sitting here with you, and the sunrise… I almost feel like we’re in the middle of it.”

“I wish I could take you outside.” Guilt shadows Gavril’s face. “If it was safe… it might be. With all the shields. But I worry.”

I run my hand across his bristly cheek. “I understand.”

“Still.” His big hand cups my cheek. “When this is over, I want to take you up the mountain. We can watch the sunrise from the top, instead of down here.”

My heart makes a little leap. “So… after? Do you… I know it hasn’t been long…”

His brow wrinkles in confusion. “Do I what?”

“When this is over…” Why is this so hard? “Are we…”

“Oh.” As his eyes fill with understanding, a slow smile appears. “Chiara. In more than two hundred and fifty years, this is the first time I’ve truly felt something for a woman. For you. And only you. I’m not going anywhere. Not unless you want me to.”

“I don’t want you to go anywhere.” I lean forward, brushing my lips against his. “But I don’t know what I’m doing. I’ve never… you’re the first, too.”

“Ah, gorgeous.” That’s something else new in the last few days, Gavril calling me that. I haven’t had a nickname since I was a little child, when my mother called me her light. But this is different, and I like it. “We’ll have to figure this out together then, won’t we?”

“Yes.” My heart lifts. “I like that idea.”

Gavril’s smile grows bigger, softening his normally stern features. Then he lifts me onto his lap, so I’m sitting across his legs, and he dips his head toward mine.

Our lips meet, tenderly at first, sending a sizzle of electricity through my body.

Then the kiss goes deeper, as he teases my mouth open, delving inside, his tongue licking and stroking. It’s a sensuous dance, just a hint of what I’ve only dreamed about when I’m alone in my bed.

I twine my arms around his neck, trying to get even closer to him. My sensitized nipples rub against his firm chest, and flares of need jolt straight to my core.

Gavril supports me effortlessly, one hand at the back of my head, the other at my lower back. His fingers are this perfect mix of rough and soft as they slide beneath the hem of my shirt, warm against my skin.

A little purr of pleasure rumbles in my throat, and I nibble at his lower lip, biting down hard enough to draw a few drops of blood.

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