Page 149 of Crimson Promises
For the second time tonight, he extended an open palm toward me. The misty spray from the waterfall caressed my skin. With a gentle yet confident touch, his warm hand enveloped mine, sending a current of electricity through my veins.
“Care to dance?” He said, his expression soft.
“Here?” I looked around.
“Right here. I promise I won’t bite. Unless you ask nicely.”
I rolled my eyes at his lame pickup line as I stepped into his awaiting arms.
His proximity sent waves of heat coursing through me. The anticipation was palpable, and I could feel the raw energy crackling between us. As we swayed to the invisible tune, a current of desire flowed between us, intensifying with each passing second.
“You were made to fly, Aurora.” His touch was firm yet tender, guiding me with an effortless grace that mesmerized me. I could feel the warmth of his hand seep through my skin, igniting a fire within me.
We swayed in tiny circles.
“I never felt such unfiltered, pure joy.”
“I’ll take you again sometime,” the Adam’s apple of his throat bobbed at his remark.
“Do you think I’ll ever have wings?”
“Maybe if you decide to give up your mortality. If that’s what you decide, I’ll teach you.”
Our gazes locked, and time seemed to stand still. At that moment, the world around us faded into insignificance. My lips met Ben's in a scalding kiss. His lips were soft against mine, and I lost myself in the taste and touch of him.
Both of our souls craved solace. Could we be that for each other? In my heart of hearts, I hoped so.
Our mouths melded together, tongues dancing in a sensual choreography, igniting a fervor that threatened to consume us both. The taste of him was intoxicating, a heady mix of evergreen and freshly turned earth after the rain. My fingers found their way to the nape of his neck, tangling in the silken strands of his hair, pulling him closer. Our breaths mingled in a desperate rhythm, each exhale a gasp for air between stolen kisses.
Our hearts thudded in unison. The bond felt as if it swelled with pride at him and I.
I couldn’t help but wonder if there had ever been a love that transcended both Heaven and Hell.
Breaking away, I gazed into his eyes, the intensity of the moment lingering between us. Ben kissed me tenderly on the forehead.
His voice, husky and laden with desire, trembled as he whispered, "Aurora.” Uncertainty blended with hope as I traced the contours of his face, seeing the vulnerability etched in his features. “I don’t know if I can…” he trailed off as he buried his head in my neck.
He was finally voicing what I was scared would happen all along.
I knew he couldn’t offer me what I so desperately wanted from him. I was never going to be the exception to the rule. Whatever plans he had set in motion for years before I was born, I would never be worth more than the deal he made to be my protector.
That’s why I said, “Truly, it’s alright. I know. For now, let’s enjoy what’s left of the dance.” I tried to swallow down the feeling of my heart cracking.
Ben kissed the hollow, then the column of my throat, trailing kisses until his cheeks were pressed against my temple. He twirled me out until I could skim the curtain of the waterfall and then spun me back until I was flush against his chest. The passion that had sparked between us mere moments ago now felt shallow and cold despite the warm water surrounding us.
People always left. Why did I hope Ben would be any different?
ChapterFifteen
Bennett
Deep within the bowels of Seattle’s underbelly was home to the Pacific Northwest’s hub of The Sublime Nocturne. The Sublime Nocturne was a place for demons, fallen angels, and other creatures of the night to gather, exchange goods, spells, you name it, away from the prying eyes of mortals. After The Great War, earth became the bridge between Heaven and Hell. The Originals permitted establishments of The Sublime Nocturne sporadically throughout the world. Often, they were located closer to ley lines, locations that naturally amplified magic.
Humans with The Sight were welcome in The Sublime Nocturne. They could offer their blood or use of their body for money and other scandalous things. All business exchanges had to be consensual and agreed upon. The Sublime Nocturne was often monitored undercover by The Gifted to ensure the rules that The Originals established wouldn’t be disobeyed. However, to say nefarious activities still didn’t play out beneath the nose of the ‘authorities’ would be a lie.
If there was anyone who had any information on Aurora’s necklace, this would be the best place to find it.
The scent of rust and dampness pervaded the air, mingling with the distant aroma of oil and soot. The wind whispered through broken beams, carrying a haunting melody of forgotten dreams. I scanned the dilapidated structure, taking in the worn bricks and graffiti-stained walls. Time had weathered the building, leaving a sense of decay and neglect. No one would look twice at this place. A perfect cover.
