Page 127 of Antiletum
I caress her supple leg in silent forgiveness.
“Yes. That was Heath’s idea. He gave me my first sketch book and paints. Told me to do something else in the times I couldn’t sleep. Nottoss and turn and connect negative connotations to the act of sleeping itself.”
Endearment is clear in her voice when she replies, “That was smart. Did it help?”
“Eventually. It was very peculiar. How abysmal my penmanship was learning to write. Still is. But then drawing and painting came easily. I only knew how to read already because a librarian took pity on me when I sought refuge among the shelves and books so often. I chose the nameValledynbased off of a character I admired in a book.” With a chuckle I add, “I didn’t take into account how it would flow with my new surname that I would adopt as well.”
“It’s a beautiful name. And it suits you.”
Delaney doesn’t stop her slow tracing over my skin, mapping out the wings on my back and shoulders. “I like this.” Her admission is barely audible and an absolute understatement. Her tone gives it away as much as her smoldering expression upon seeing it for the first time in the graveyard. Practically burned me alive with all her untapped desire.
“I wish I could have had someone capture your face when you first saw it. What was left when I turned to you was positivelysinful.”
Sitting up to join her, I pull her back into my arms. Nuzzle into her neck. She bends her back graciously to give me better access, making a delectable, breathy little noise.
“I knew you’d let me kiss you in that graveyard.” I kiss her now and she returns it with fervor. “You looked like you were ready to pull your skirts up for me right then and there.”
“When did you get it?” Delaney asks about my tattoo, pushing me away playfully.
“Around a year after my father took me in. I was cracking. I kept my composure up during the day, played my part and played it well. ThenI’d fall apart in the evenings in my rooms after Heath and Blair finished their crash course etiquette, writing, and history lessons. I got horribly drunk one night. Was downright maudlin. Mallin and Alaric stopped by unexpectedly to find me raging and crying in my room. So drunk I could barely stand. I told them everything. About you—other than your necromancy. About my family. About my ability to shift and what was expected of me inSuredeis.Gave them both a right fucking scare when I shifted in front of them without warning.”
Delaney laughs. “I wish someone had capturedtheirfaces.”
My own rumble answers her. “They took it in stride. All things considered. Then dragged me out to get the tattoo. Claim my identity and whatnot. Luckily, Mallin and Alaric were both raised withinSuredeisand were trustworthy. But that’s another reason I generally don’t drink. Aside from being easily caught off guard, I was very loose-lipped that night. Not worth the risk.”
“I like how loose-lipped you are with me,” Delaney admits softly.
I reach up and stroke her cheek. “Now if I can just get you to be the same.”
“I meant it.” She says it so hurriedly, I don’t think she intended to admit anything at all.
“Meant what, Delaney?”
“When I told you I love you. You were right. The words were yours in any form. I never really wanted to take them back.”
Warmth is running from the top of my head down to every last fiber of my being. “I love you too,ocellus. I intend to spend every day for the rest of our lives proving that to you. Better than I have.”
“Ocellus,” Delaney repeats, letting it roll slowly off her tongue. Like she can taste the meaning but not quite pinpoint its flavor.
Knowing dawns in the very eyes that inspired the nickname. I had been giving me little hints, all along the way. Ever since I made her my wife. I grin, seeing it on her face. She’s figured out what it means.
“Little eye?” Delaney arches a brow. “Like when you told me my eyes remind you of eyelets in feathers and wings?”
“They do. I could get lost in that blue. As vast as the sky.”
“You told me I fit every translation of the word. The others?”
“Darlingis the other typical definition. If you ever hear Mallin or Alaric emphasize the worddarlingaround us,yes, they are absolutely teasing.”
“I’m sorry,” she tells me.
Instantly, I shake my head. Confused. “For what? You’ve done nothing wrong.”
“I have. I’m sorry for suggesting your father didn’t care about you beyond what you can do. I don’t know anything about your relationship with him. It was wrong for me to suggest such.”
I heave a sigh. “It only hurt because I’d had those same thoughts of late. I know they’re not true. But it can be difficult, not falling to feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. Especially since everything has essentially imploded. All at once. The pressure has been immense.”
Lord. Leader ofSuredeis. One of the two necessary people to achieve success in a better life for all. The other being my wife.
