Page 49 of Sweet Dominion

“He told me that I would have to share you with the East.” Then, Lei’s words held an edge. “But I don’t plan to. You’re mine andonlymine. I would never let you belong to the East.”

“I don’t think that would ever be a problem.”

He gave me a sad smile and let go of my chin. Then, he turned his view to the window and gazed down at the beach beneath us. “You’ll end up being an icon for my people. I saw that today.”

The word “icon” echoed in my mind, sending a chill down my spine.

Me, an icon?

It felt surreal, almost laughable.

I was just Moni, a regular person with regular goals.

The thought of being something bigger freaked me out.

How could I possibly be an icon?

I had never aspired to be anything more than who I was. The idea of people looking up to me, of being a symbol for an entire region, was terrifying.

I didn’t feel special.

I didn’t feel worthy of such a title.

I had always been comfortable in my anonymity, living a life away from the spotlight. Now, the mere thought of being an icon for the East made my stomach churn.

What if I wasn’t enough?

What if I couldn’t live up to their expectations?

“Moni?” Lei’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts.

I looked at him, my eyes wide with fear. “I’m not going to try to be an icon. I am just going to be. . .me.”

“And that’s why they will love you.” He pulled me into his arms and his embrace was strong and comforting.

Our bodies fit together perfectly, like two jagged pieces of a crazy puzzle.

His warmth enveloped me, melting away the fear and uncertainty.

I looked up at him and gazed into his eyes and I no longer saw sadness but this deep overflowing love.

He moved one arm, leaned back and touched the space above my heart. “Our signal worked today.”

“It did and it will always work.”

He moved his hand and without another word, he leaned forward and captured my lips with his in a kiss so tender, so passionate, it took my breath away.

I moaned against his mouth.

The helicopter faded to the background, leaving only the sensation of his lips against mine, the taste of him, the feel of his hands gently cradling me.

Every worry, every doubt, dissolved into that kiss.

All that mattered was us, here and now, sharing a love that felt timeless.

Eternal.

As our kiss deepened, I poured all my love into him, letting him know without words that I was here, that I was truly his and that together, we could face anything.

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