Page 100 of Between Earth and Eternity
“Thank you,” I breathe. His eyes linger on my mouth for a moment longer. “It means more than you know.” His grip tightens slightly as he sweeps us away before getting too close to anyone who could overhear us.
“I’d like to think that I know you more than you give me credit for, at least I’m trying to,” he says and a warmth spreads throughout my body at the words, knowing he cares.
“You’ve done so much for me . . .” I swallow nervously, and he reads me like a book.
“But?”
“You know what I need.”
“And you know I want to give you more, but . . .”
“You can’t.” I grit my teeth. “But since when do you not do exactly what you want?”
He sniffs a laugh. “You’d be surprised.”
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Be cryptic. If that’s how the night’s going to go, then this conversation is over. I said my thank you, so if that’s all . . .”
I move to pull away, but he draws our bodies flush to one another, grip tightening. I expect frustration, a look I have come to memorize on Vallen’s face, that and anger, but it isn’t at all what I find when I gaze up at him for a response. Instead, his breath is soft and measured, eyes tracing my face while hiding the ache inside. The cut that was below his eye is completely healed; not even a scar remains.
“Just admit that it was you that day, and I’ll be satisfied.”
He cocks an eyebrow, skeptical.
“Okay, maybe notcompletelysatisfied, but it would be better than nothing.”
His brows pull together.
“I need to know, for my own peace of mind.”
His chest rises and falls heavily, his beautiful face a shadow of something . . . Despair? Pain?
He moves my hair to the side before leaning down, lips brushing up against the shell of my ear. “I do hold many secrets, all of which are extremely dangerous. And one in particular that I’ve tried to bury deep because, believe it or not, I want to keep you safe.”
Is he really saying this out loud? I look around the room, but people seem to be lost in the party once more, and he’s kept us at a safe distance, always so aware.
“Please,” I beg.
“You don’t understand what you’re asking me, Skyler.” His breath is hot on my neck. I can’t help but let my eyes close for a moment, breathing in his scent.
“I don’t care.”
“It’s bad.”
“Tell me.”
“Worse than you can imagine.”
“Vallen.” I don’t need to add please, my tone conveys enough of my desperation. The pain in my chest deepens, preparing for the worst.
“Meet me in the library in twenty minutes,” Vallen whispers.
I inhale shakily, aroused in victory and shock.
“This is something you can’t come back from, so if you have any doubts, I’ll understand. Please think about it before you decide,” he adds just as the song ends. He doesn’t meet my eyes as he walks away, leaving me stunned on the dance floor.
