Page 138 of A Second Dawn

When he opened up to me last night about his childhood, I felt transported back to his island when we talked for hours, and being with him was so easy. And just like back at the island, hours of talking turned into hours of lovemaking. Last night was no different.

I grin to myself, remembering.

After our chat, we had a bath which turned into a make-out session, followed by… well, you can imagine what. The bathroom ended up flooded. Not that Tiero cared about that—he never does. And in that moment of passion, nor did I.

That wore me out, and I was allowed to sleep for a few hours before Tiero’s mouth woke me up in the most delicious way and round three for the night ensued. This one was deliciously slow and tender, and on a whole new level.

I can’t say what way I prefer he takes me. All is mind blowing.

Tiero’s steady breath behind me tells me he’s still fast asleep. Wanting to look at him, I carefully dislodge myself from his hold and turn in his arms.

His lips are slightly parted, his breathing soft. He’s so peaceful, the worries of the world not bothering him. His dark hair is a little longer than when I last saw him, and somewhat messed up from sleep and our nocturnal activities.

I stroke his forehead. I want to pepper his face with kisses, but I also don’t want to wake him, so I refrain.

He’s so goddamn handsome, it should be illegal. My mind drifts back to a few nights ago when I watched Aiden sleep and thought the same thing.

Aiden.

Guilt stabs me. I need to check on him and Rhia. Too caught up in everything Tiero, neither of them entered my mind until now. Some friend, I am. But I comfort myself that there wasn’t much I could have done with them both being knocked out for the night.

What am I going to say to Ade? If Tiero hadn’t turned up, my relationship with him would have progressed to the next level, of that I’m certain.

A fresh pang of guilt hits me. It feels like I’m cheating… on both of them.

The thing is, my feelings for Ade haven’t changed. How could they if we’re all part of the same soul? This explains my dilemma, doesn’t it?

I let out a long, frustrated breath.

Last night, when Tiero said I was part of his soul, I almost told him about the triple flame and how Aiden fits into the picture. But it wasn’t the right moment to challenge Tiero’s beliefs. And bringing Aiden up didn’t seem like a wise move.

I will tell him. I just don’t know how and when.

My predicament is momentarily forgotten, when Tiero’s eyes open and a sleepy smile spreads across his face when he sees me looking at him.

He pulls me tighter against him and whispers, “Now that’s the most beautiful sight to wake up to. I want that every day.”

Rubbing my nose down his neck, I press my face into the space where his neck meets his shoulder and kiss that spot gently.

“I want that too.” And I mean it.

A life without Tiero is unimaginable. But the same could be said for Ade too. I can’t picture my world without him. Yet I know I have to make a choice. Well, actually, I’ve made it already.

Dread pools in my stomach. I’m going to be sick. I can’t break Ade’s heart. He’s the best person I know. He deserves the world… the stars, the universe… everything.

I swallow the bile rising in my throat, but to no avail. Dashing out of the bed, I run for the bathroom, retching and heaving.

Tiero comes up behind me, holding my hair out of the way and rubbing soothing circles along my back.

“Morning sickness?” he asks, and I just nod, not willing to go into what really set me off.

How can I explain it to him in a way he’ll understand? I’m fully aware keeping this from him is not setting off on the right foot for our new relationship, but I just don’t know how he’ll react.

He’s so possessive and easily jealous. I can’t risk Ade’s life and well-being.

Tiero drapes his shirt over me to keep me warm, and when I stand, he helps me into it. His eyes twinkle with something primal, buttoning it up.

“You look so damn mine in that shirt. Never take it off.”

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