Page 79 of Whispers of Fire

He tsks me. “None of that, Angel. You’re breathtakin’, 'bout time you see yourself the way I see ya." His words wash over me, melting away any doubts and insecurities I had.

His words make me stronger. He makes me stronger.

“Thank you,” I say silently while he watches my mouth with intensity.

“We’re almost done,” he says, before taking the leather jacket off the counter and helping me put it on. I slip my arms into the soft sleeves, fighting the urge to nestle my face into the crook of his neck. It fits so well, I wonder how he managed to do that. With his fingers, he fastens the zipper slowly, his gaze mesmerized at how the jacket hugs my chest like a second skin. As if it was tailored just for me.

Well, you know how he did this, Rose…

I know Vox has been stalking me a bit, and as crazy as it sounds, I love knowing that he’s there for me, looking out and making sure I’m as safe as I can be. So I wouldn't be surprised if he took my measurements while I was sleeping.

You’re insane.

No, the old Rose would judge and bash me for thinking this way but not this new version. Cause if Vox taught me one thing, it’s that not everything is as black and white as I’ve been told my entire life. And if sharing this with him means dancing with his darkness, then I’ll take it.

“Lookin’ damn good, Angel,” he says, admiring the jacket on me. “How d’ya feel?”

I look around for the notebook, but he stops me.

“Try me, I’ve learned a bunch of new signs this week,” he says, wanting me to test him.

I love that he’s trying so hard to learn sign language.

“It’s different, but in a good way. Like I’ve finally met myself,” I sign, hoping he’ll catch the meaning.

With a large grin, he signs back, "I'm glad, Angel.”

He signed angel with the letters of my name and the sign of wings. Tears are threatening to burst out of me as I watch the man I love who just made up a sign for me.

This is the most thoughtful thing someone has ever done to me.

"You deserve it.” His hands move with a fluidity that surprises me. His smug face says it all. He’s so proud of making my jaw drop on the floor.

How did he learn so fast? I’m shocked and so grateful at the same time.

"You’re learning ASL so quickly," I sign back fast with excitement, a small smile spreading across my face.

“Got a pretty good motivator, sweetheart,” he says out loud, “but I’m not there yet, still got a long way until I’ll catch everythin’ you say. But I’ll get there,” he states, like it’s not even a question but a natural step to take in our relationship . As if we have a possible future together.

Could we?

How?

God, this is so confusing and beautiful at the same time. My eyes get watery. Vox senses it and he pulls me into his arms. The scent of leather and his cologne surrounds me, comforting and familiar.

"Still up for a drive?” he says, kissing my forehead, his voice low and deep.

I nod because, despite it being past midnight and being exhausted, I want to share this with him.

I’m ready for him to show me his world.

Vox

Breathtaking.

That’s what I thought when she stepped on the last stair, lookin’ like a damn goddess. The black biker clothes hugging her curves in all the right places, making the caveman in me fall on his knees.

I took her outside. I had parked the bike on the opposite side of her house, making sure no one would see her. She’s walking ahead of me, the capital letters of my name dancing on her back.

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