Page 131 of Enchanted Kisses
“I know. I saw everything in my head. But, Lily, itwasreal. You were there that night. I wouldn’t have survived the second round of torture had you not healed me.” When I didn’t speak or look at him, he lowered his chin, seeking a connection with my eyes. “Do you regret making the vow?”
The pain in his voice squeezed my heart. “No. Never.”
He smiled. “Then kiss me. Kiss me and forget about everything that has happened.”
“How?” A sob broke the word. “Everything’s a mess. The realms. The balance. What if your dad comes for us? Or Bianca? Or Dagan? I don’t want to give in only to lose you again.”
“You won’t. You belong to me, Lily—for all eternity, as soon as we finish what we started in the dungeon.” He kissed my nose then my cheek.
I sighed, slow and long, and my eyes closed again. When I opened them, Caiden’s loving gaze filled me with warmth. “It was real?”
“We belong together, as it was foretold. Say you’ll stay with me.”
After everything we’ve been through, a future together wouldn’t be easy. So many obstacles stood between us—Dagan, and Bianca. I couldn’t imagine a life without problems or peace. But at that moment, I decided I wanted to fight for us.
“I’ll stay.” I’d barely spoken the words before Caiden’s fingers curled behind my ears. They intertwined with my hair, drawing me near, and then his lips were on mine—warm, real, and deliciously soft.
Emotions entangled inside me—Caiden’s and mine. The difference between them was slight but distinguishable. His were intense and warm, spreading throughout my body. Mine matched, although softer, as if they were trying to keep up. I realized then that I’d never fully opened my heart to Caiden. Fear had kept a small part of it locked away, and it was time I gave it over.
Letting go, I uncurled my fingers and sought Caiden’s chest, sliding my fingers up until my hands clasped behind his neck. Something happened then. The string between us pulled with greater force and electricity formed around us, as if fusing our souls. The connection stole my breath.
I came up for air. “Wow!” My pulse raced and energy thrummed beneath my skin. “Is this from the vow?”
Caiden grinned, his eyes gleaming with turquoise light. “Not even close. I still have to finish my part, and then,” he peered over my shoulder to the bed, “we can consummate the vow.” His tone was low and silky.
Suddenly nervous, I gulped. “So, we finish the vow and…” My words drifted off at a mental image of Caiden and me twisted in the sheets.
Our eyes locked and the thought that followed wasn’t what I expected.Now really isn’t the time.
Or maybe it was.
After everything that had happened recently and all that I’d lost, hadn’t I learnednowis the only time?
I glanced at the bed. “Shouldn’t we go somewhere safe and hidden to do this? I’d hate to be distracted.”
“This is safe and spelled for your protection. In fact, I don’t think anyone would come looking for us here. It might be the perfect hideaway.”
Perfect? Yes. I would have wanted this to happen here before I learned the truth about Caiden, Raysa, and my destiny. It tied my old life with Caiden to our new life. But could I let down my guard after all that had happened enough to enjoy such a special moment? There was something else holding me back, too. Asking wouldn’t be easy and hearing the answer could be even worse.
“Did you, um…when you were with Bianca, did you…you know, sleep with her?”
He recoiled with a look of disgust. “I couldn’t. She wanted to on more than one occasion, but something kept me from being able to go through with it. The vow you and I started? Our connection? It was one of those, or perhaps, it was just my love for you.”
I liked the sound of that.
Now I hoped Raysa stayed in the Truce Realm for at least two more hours. She was the only one who could cross here and interrupt us.
I stood.
Caiden grabbed my hands. “Where are you going?”
“To lock the door, just in case Raysa comes looking for me.”
He stood and laughed. “You think that would stop her from coming in?”
“Should I write a note? Do not disturb?”
He took his phone from his pocket. “How about I text her?”
