Page 83 of Between Earth and Eternity
“I don’t think anyone has ever said that to me and meant it,” he says with a grateful smile. Then his face goes serious again. “You’ve really been going through it, haven’t you?” he adds, more of a revelation than a question.
I hesitate, biting my lip, uncertain if I really want to do this, to open myself up to him again, the last person I ever thought I would. Last time, it didn’t end well. I take a breath, hoping it will steady me.
“Ever since the Lottery, I’ve been in this constant state of paranoia. It’s one thing after another.” He leans forward, resting his arms on his knees. “And for a moment when I was in that cargo bay . . . I was glad it was going to be over. Iwantedeverything to be over.”
“Skyler.”
“You don’t have to say or do anything. You’ve done more than enough. I’m sure the last thing you want is to share more secretsafter the trouble I’ve caused you. And now with your father and brother . . .”
“Skyler”
“You didn’t have to save someone like me. I mean, I am—”
“Can you be quiet for a second?” he says loudly. I snap my mouth shut. “I need to say something, and I want you to listen,” he commands in that tone that I’m pretty sure could make anyone do anything, but it doesn’t frighten me this time. “I know I played a role in what happened yesterday, and I hate myself for it.” He pauses. “I mean this truly. This universe would be a darker place without you, and don’t you dare think that you have no place in it, that life would be better if you weren’t here.”
I go completely still, stunned.
“And if you ever find yourself in that place again”—he taps the side of his head—“I want you to remember what I said, and if you need to be reminded, then you call for me. I will come as many times as it takes until you never forget it.”
My chest is tight, so full of emotion that has nowhere to go.
“What if I’m never strong enough?”
“You already are, more than you realize.”
I scoff. “I’ll try to believe you.”
“It takes a strong person to not only stand up to me, but to my father. Grown men can’t even do that. That alone should be enough to prove it to yourself.”
I laugh and feel my soul wake up.
“Even if that mouth gets you into trouble, you say things with such conviction that I can’t help but admire you for it.”
I feel myself blush. “Okay, now I know you’re lying.”
His eyes flicker over me, and that warmth of want spreads everywhere. I swallow nervously, just as his mouth turns slightly upward. He knows what it does to me, and he enjoys it. It’s that push and pull between us. If I do this, you do this. If I move, you move.
“Thank you for saving me,” I say, trying to break the moment. “I’m sorry if it cost you.” I study the cut on his cheek once more.
He licks his bottom lip and leans forward an inch more. “Oh, honey, you have no idea.”
“Breakfast is here!” Bex announces, pushing a cart into the room. The moment fades like it never happened. Vallen pulls away and stands before I can blink. He practically steals my breath, making me feel lightheaded.
“Are you still joining us, Skyler?” Bex asks, laying the food on the glass dining table near the large wall of windows.
“She was just leaving,” Vallen cuts in.
Message received. I have overstayed my welcome.
“Oh. I’m sorry you can’t stay,” Bex says warmly, but he gives Vallen a dubious look. Bex may be Vallen’s friend, but he is first and foremost his steward. I’ve never heard him question his actions.
“Yes. It is unfortunate,” Vallen says in a business-like manner, switching from a vulnerable man to the Mannox heir in a matter of seconds. I shouldn’t be surprised; he doesn’t have to explain himself, as he has made painfully clear time and time again.
“I’ll walk you out.” Bex gestures to the door. I wait for Vallen to say goodbye, something, but not a word, so I do it instead.
“Goodbye, Vallen. And thank you again.” It sounds like I’m thanking him for a meal and not saving my life, but if this is how he wants it to be, then so be it. He only nods in response.
Once we’re out of ear shot, I turn to Bex. “Is he always hot and cold like that?”
