Page 126 of Visions & Shadows

“I’m not,” I argue as I turn around and sit on the bed. I pull the covers over me as I explain, “I just don’t want you in my head twenty-four-seven.”

Because then he’d see how I feel about him, and I’d just die.

“That’s how a bond works,” he snaps. “I have to see what’s going on inside you so I can make the right decisions.”

“No!” I snap back at him as I climb off the bed.

I don’t care that I’m standing in pink lace underwear, because clearly the man doesn’t see me as a woman.

“To you, I’m just your charge, and there are things I don’t want you to know about me.” I press my hand to my chest. “I need my privacy.”

“Just a charge?” he scoffs while shaking his head. His tone is much lower when he says, “I told you I live and die for you, Alchera. What more can I say to make you understand how important you are.”

My heart hurts because I want to be important to Raighne for who I am, not for the bond we share and the destiny I have to fulfill.

Unable to stop myself, a sob escapes my lips, and I turn my back to him so he can’t see my tears.

“I know you have a lot to deal with,” he says, his tone softer. “But you’re not alone. Let me in, so I can help you.”

I shake my head as I cover my mouth with my hand to keep another sob from escaping.

“By Awo, Alchera,” he groans, and I hear him move closer to me. He takes hold of my shoulders and turns me around to face him. He looks at me with pure desperation as he says, “You are the only being that matters to me. I will sacrifice everything I am for you.”

I stare at Raighne, wishing it was enough. But it’s not. All I want is to be loved by him. It would make everything so much more bearable.

But I can’t have what I want.

When I try to pull away, his hands frame my face and he forces me to keep eye contact with him.

“You’re fucking killing me.” He presses his forehead to mine. “Please. I’m begging you. Let me in.”

I feel his breath on my mouth, and his lips brush against mine.

“Let me in.”

Right now, I can’t handle a kiss just so we can connect and yank away from him.

I close my eyes and place my hand over my stomach as my shoulders shudder.

“I can’t kiss you and not feel anything,” I admit one small truth as I struggle not to break down.

In a flash, Raighne grabs hold of me, pinning me to his body with one arm while his other hand grips my jaw. His mouth crashes against mine, and he proceeds to kiss the everloving shit out of me.

“Let. Me. In!”His voice strikes like a lightning bolt in my mind, and I don’t stand a chance against his power as he invades every inch of me.

Raighne

I’m not giving Alchera a choice anymore. I’m done playing the patient game.

Forcing her lips open, my tongue lashes at hers as I pour everything I am into her.

“This ends now,”I demand.

She whimpers against my mouth before her arms wrap around my neck, and she begins to kiss me back.

My lips take hers roughly, demanding she accepts me once and for all.

Because without her, I’m nothing.

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