Page 98 of Mine to Ruin

“It’s winter, we should go see the snow.”

I clasp my hands over my chest and my lips spread into a tiny smile. The dimples show, and he brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it.

The shape of the chain of proud, tall, rocky mountains covered in snow stretch in front of us and I gasp.

“This is so beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here.” I find his eyes that shine with that potent combination of relief and hope, and it makes me happy. He parks in front of a chalet, surrounded by snow and forest. I climb out of the car and drop to the ground on my back and make a snow angel.

He appears in front of my face, his lips quirking up.

“I knew there was more to why I call you angel.”

He extends his hand. “Let’s get inside. I don’t want you to catch a cold.”

He pulls me up, but I slip, and he catches me and I land on his chest.

“Thank you.”

“Always.”

He carries the bags inside and shakes the snow off his shoes. I tip my head back to the high ceilings, taking in the wooden construction, the fireplace and the ample open space, with a perfect view of the forest and the mountains, like a panoramic view.

“It’s beautiful,” I say and we go from the kitchen island, to a sauna and whirlpool room, a billiard and dart room, to a fitness room, several guest rooms and finally the master bedroom, with an adjoining bathroom and closet.

He places our bags in the closet, and turns toward me and sighs, his face paling as if he’s terrified of something. He opens his mouth then clamps it shut a few times, as if to gather strength to tell me something.

I stay rooted in place and smile, hoping to encourage him.

“I love you,” he starts, “and it scares the crap out of me. I have never been the jealous type, nor possessive, but with you… I want you to see only me, love only me, want only me.” His muscles strain, and I know how much it cost him to make that confession.

I approach him and take his hands in mine. “Kian, baby.”

“Don’t leave me, fuck, I don’t think I could let you go, not even if you destroy my fucking heart.”

“Your attitude hurt me,” I tell him, holding his hands, trying to get through to him. “Your absence hurt me, your lack of trust hurt me. I wanted to leave, but not because I wanted to. I love you so much, I think it’s not normal. I just didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable in your own home.”

He cradles my face in his palms and kisses me. “You are my home, nothing and no one else.”

“Then don’t you ever punish me with your absence and silence again. This is the first and last time I will accept that.”

He brings my hand to his chest. “I won’t. I promise I will do better. From now on, I will come to you with my concerns and issues every damn time. You’re going to hate it.”

“That will never happen.”

I snuggle into Kian as he kisses the top of my head, and I peek outside as snowflakes start tumbling from the sky. I roll from the bed trying to escape his hand, but he snatches me back.

“No, forget it. Stop pouting.” I shake my head and his eyes beckon me. “No sexy look either. We successfully made up for those three days. Get up.”

He does so with a huff.

On an ATV, we wander through the snow-covered forest, and see a family of deer. I squeal and point at them as Kian stops. The cold and high altitude skyrocketed my appetite. After dinner, soft music plays as we drink a glass of wine. I fall asleep in his arms in front of the chimney.

When Sunday arrives, a wave of nostalgia washes over me after a perfect weekend, and he feels it.

“We can stay a little longer,” he says in my neck, his hands locked around my belly.

“No, I have paintings to finish and then Christmas comes.”

“We can come back whenever you want.”

---