Page 87 of The Champion
Our stroll lasted another hour where we met people who wanted to talk about their dreams for Wisdomia. We were lucky to have attracted skilled people of all kinds who were invested in making our country the best one in the world.
When Pearl and Khan left that night, Freya and I curled up with Isobel sleeping next to us.
“Can you believe that we’re living our dream?”
I smiled and kissed her hair. “I’m grateful for every day we have together.”
“My father likes you. He would never admit it, but he’s definitely warming up to you.”
“I hope so. I’m buying his approval with the best beer and lots of praise for his daughter.”
Freya giggled. “You always were a clever man.”
“I’m clever enough to know how lucky I am.”
“It took you a while, though.”
I squeezed her body close to mine. “Remember that time you asked me how I could live without love?”
“Did I really ask you that?”
“Yes, and I answered, does a colorblind person miss green?”
“Right. That was the day you showed me the lab for the first time.”
“You brought color to my life, Freya. I never imagined that I could experience something this wonderful. It’s like that book.”
“Which book?”
“Forbidden Letters.”
Freya muted her laughter by pressing her face against my chest so as not to wake Isobel.
“What’s so funny? I know it was you who placed that book in my bedroom while I stayed at the Gray Mansion.”
“Of course. Belle saw you read in it in the library and that’s when I understood that you had eavesdropped on me and Mila when we talked about the book. I placed it in your room to let you know that you were busted.”
“Did you know that I read the book?”
“No.”
“At first, I thought it was ridiculous, but nevertheless I couldn’t put the annoying book down. The intensity of their desire and the bond they built by sending letters back and forth reminded me of us. I think that’s why I tried so hard to make you want me that week I was at the mansion waiting for the result of Belle’s pregnancy.”
“I did want you, Victor.”
“Then why did you turn me down every time I came on to you?”
“Because I wanted more than you were ready to give me at that point.”
“That was then.” I kissed her and winked. “How about I carry Isobel to her room so we can have some adult time?”
“I can’t. It’s too soon. I’m still healing after the birth.”
“We can do other things.”
Freya yawned. “If by other things you mean spooning while I sleep, then I’m all for it. I’m so tired.”
“Whatever you need.”
