Page 85 of Enchanted Kisses
I sat back, ashamed. “How did you know?”
“You were projecting the memory behind you.”
“I was?” I glanced over my shoulder. No projection, just darkness. I faced him. “I didn’t mean to. He did something to me.”
“I suspected as much.” His gaze held mine. “Don’t do it again.”
“I don’t ever want to kiss anyone but you.” I threw my arms around his neck. “Hold me. Tell me we can fix this and that I don’t have to leave you.”
He stood and pulled me with him. “I think I can work around your vow. It’ll take some time, though. Time we don’t have, unless...”
“Unless what?” I buried my face in his chest, so anxious not even his intoxicating scent could soothe me.
“I hide you.”
“Can you do that—hide me from him? He’s smart. He figures things out.” I clutched the lapels of Caiden’s jacket. “I’m so sorry I did this.”
“This is my fault. If I weren’t struggling for inner balance, I’d have handled things differently. I’d have been wiser.”
“Let me help you then. I can heal you.” Before he could answer, I stretched up and pulled his lips to mine.
He didn’t resist.
Heat tingled beneath my skin, making it easy for me to give in to my cravings. I touched his lips with my tongue, and he opened for me. Through my kiss, I released my love and energy, envisioning Caiden surrounded by white light—strong, pure, and free of death.
His fingers tangled in my hair, and he lifted me off my feet. If I could have swung my legs around his waist, I would have.Damn dress.
“Take it off,” I whispered against his lips.
“Take what off?”
“My dress.” If kissing healed, I could only imagine what making love would do.
He froze. “I thought you were sober?”
“I am. I know what I’m saying, and I know what I want. What I don’t know is why you stopped kissing me.” I reached behind my back and tried unzipping the dress myself.
Caiden didn’t move.
“Help me,” I said, my voice high. I tugged on the zipper, but it was stuck.
When he set me on my feet, I thought it was to help.
I lifted my hair and turned so he could work the zipper down. “If it’s broken, just rip it open.”
I waited but he didn’t touch me.
“Caiden?” I turned.
He stood at the other end of the gazebo. His hands gripped the railing and he panted, looking ready to charge. Ablaze with silver and gold mist, his head was tilted down, but his eyes were fixed on me.
I was afraid to move. “Did I make you worse?”
He shook his head.
I took a step toward him.
He lifted a hand for me to stop. “Give me a minute.” His voice was husky and deep. After several dragging moments, his breathing slowed, and his skin dimmed. His shoulders dropped, and he let go of the railing with an exhale.
