Page 40 of The Dark Elf's Surprise Baby

It is her. I know it is her. I have never been more sure of something, even if I am very drunk.

Before she can say anything, my hands are going to her waist and I am pushing her against the wall of the building behind us.

She cries out with pain, and I let go of her immediately. Her breathing is as erratic as mine.

It is really her. Harper is in front of me, looking up at me with those hazel eyes that still look like a kaleidoscope after all these years.

Harper, the love of my life, the woman I have craved more than anything in the past few years.

She is standing in front of me.

I know that I am too drunk to say or do anything with any sense. I have sense enough for that at least.

Warmth that is unrelated to the alcohol spreads throughout my body.

I am holding her, Harper, my love.

But the warmth, which I have figured out is happiness, quickly turns to grief as I remember Kerym’s words.

“Adelaide is human.”

The words bolt through my mind with such force that I am left shaking.

“How could you do this to me?” I speak before I am conscious of it. “How could you do this to me?” Harper betrayed me. The truth of it is sinking in now. “How could you betray me? I would have waited for you.”

I let go of her and she staggers back against the wall. There are tears welling up in her eyes.

I don’t miss that her wrist is bruised where I held onto it.

Guilt surges violently through me.

“Is it really you?” Confusion and fear flickers through Harper’s eyes. I stumble off to the side.

You’re too drunk for this.My inner voice warns me.

When I look at her again, my eyes finally focus on her properly, and I know it is really her.

Harper is standing in front of me, in all her breathtaking glory.

Her body still looks the same; soft, and lush and lithe. Her light, bright hair is pinned away from her face in a bun, but several errant strands have escaped.

Harper’s hazel eyes, though cloudy with tears, are still bright and as gentle as they were when I knew her.

I can smell her scent, and I can practically taste her skin.

It is her.

“I would have waited for you.” I whisper the words. “I still love you. I would have waited for you.”

I say the words over and over again.

Because it is the truth. If the roles had been reversed, I would have waited for Harper until the end of my lifespan and hers.

“Demethys.” Her voice still sounds the same when she says my name. Breathy and soft. “Demethys, please.” I do not allow her to continue speaking.

Instead I walk back to her and slide my arms around her waist. She goes still, sagging against me.

We are leaning into one another. And I do not think that either of us have anything to say.

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