Page 51 of Destined Lovers

As I felt him against my body, aroused, I thought he might try something, but he stopped with a kiss, pulling away all too soon. I’m thinking maybe the nightmare scared him because it scared the shite out of me.

I often wake myself up naturally before I get to the murder part, but last night was different. If Declan hadn’t woken me up, I would have probably stayed asleep and dreamed of the day in its entirety. Something I never want to witness again.

I’m thankful Declan didn’t press for more information. I do not want to talk about it. I hate that I was even that vulnerable last night.

I know if there is anyone with whom I can be like that, it’s Declan. But it makes me feel weak and open—something I don’t enjoy.

Putting those thoughts to the back of my mind, I sigh in comfort one last time in this lovely bed before I stand up and get ready for the day.

When I step foot in the bathroom, a note attached to the mirror has me stopping in my tracks.

What in the world is that? When I amble closer, I notice it’s Declan’s handwriting.

You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known, but even that is an understatement.

-F. Scott Fitzgerald.

I may not have written those words, but I mean every one of them.

-Declan xx

My hand flies to my chest, and I press to stop the emotions from bubbling out. This man, this perfect specimen, will never cease to surprise me. His kind, thoughtful soul has no limits.

Declan

I sit on the cold ground of the Mourne Mountains, leaning up against a large stone, readingThe Chronicles of Narniaby C. S. Lewis while Nora stands in front of me, painting the beautiful landscape.

My eyes flicker between the pages of my book and Nora. I’m deeply worried about her, especially after last night’s nightmare.

She hasn’t brought it up, nor was she as shocked as I was when it all went down, as she should have been. It tells me this may happen more often than I would like.

I want to help her, but therein lies the problem, when you promise someone you won’t ask questions… youcan’thelp them. And I can tell by Nora’s pained face last night that she needs me but won’t ask.

I don’t know what she’s hiding, however, sooner rather than later, I’m going to break down and ask her. Breaking my promise to her is not something I ever intended to do, but how can I not?

How can I sit back and watch my girl suffer in pain?

“What are you staring at?” Nora smiles and playfully shimmies her hips in front of my face, breaking me out of my miserable thoughts.

“You. I was thinking about how beautiful you are.” I smile, and she rolls her eyes. Even though I wasn’tactuallythinking that at the exact moment. It’s entirely true. She is the most gorgeous girl, with her honey hazel eyes that have me trapped every time she looks at me.

“Do you want to see it?” She points to her painting.

“Silly question, Pip.” I get up and am instantly blown away by her talent.

“Holy shite, this is amazing, Nora.” I’m not just saying this… this is one of the best paintings I’ve seen in a long time.

She has captured the range of grand peaks and shallow waters as it glistens from the rare sunny winter day. There is depth and emotion, letting me feel Nora seep out of this painting, showing how she has put her heart and soul into this.

“Can I keep this one?” I ask.

“I just gave you one. You want this one too. I’m not even sure I like it.”

I shake my head. She has no idea. “Well, I love it because it shows such raw and powerful talent. I can feel you in this painting, and I would like to keep it to remember the start of our trip… the start of a new future.”

I glance over at her as she flinches at my words. Probably too embarrassed by my compliment, but I won’t shy from my feelings. She should be told every day how amazing she is.

“So?”

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