DRAMA NOVEL ONLINE Chapter Her Affections
She slumped against him, clinging to his tunic. And the tautness of his chest and abdomen. Her hand splaying the width of his biceps. She moaned into his shoulder. “I missed you so much.”
He stared at her magnetically. Unable to muster enough will to pull his gaze from her face. She proceeded burrowing more deeply into his shoulder. He inhaled the heavy scent of roses.
I missed her warmth. Her closeness. I’d longed for the sound of her voice. If he was honest with himself, he’d admit there was nothing about her he hadn’t missed since their parting. He studied her unwaveringly. The intensity in that stare, making her shiver.
Acharius recalled the wise words Deragan had imparted. I have a choice to make.
Remain alone watching over others or let her love me.
Acharius had been willing to give up the potential for happiness with Chastain. Now I’m not so sure…
I’m unsure of many things in this life that is such an exception to so many rules. But when he’d kissed her he was certain being near her was worth the tribulations he’d suffer.
I’ll protect her.
He studied her precious face and suddenly recalled Deragan’s clear words. Decide if you love this woman and if she reciprocates. Bringing a mate into our world is dangerous and if she’s uncertain you will have taken any chance at a normal life from her.
Is that what I’m prepared to do? Steal any future happiness for her?
Finally, Acharius pushed her back. Towering over her ominously. “Chastain,” he murmured miserably. “Please leave while you may, or I’ll condemn you to be forever mine.”
She looked up at him, startled. Realizing no amusement tinged his expression.
He watched her unblinkingly, gaze steady.
She understood the magnitude of the situation. Silently biting her cheek.
“If you love me, tell me now.” He more ordered than requested.
Using my voice to will the truth from her.
She compulsively obeyed.
“I love you.” Her voice was soft as her eyes widened at the confession.
He pulled her into a crushing hug, caressing a hand over her smooth red tresses. The light filtering into the corridor toyed with the fiery red colors, catching the blonde highlights. She nearly glows.
She tensed in his grip. Why?
“Why do you jump at my touch as though I’d cause you harm?”
“You’ve harmed me with your absence!” She accused. “After what happened atween us.” There was a crackle behind her voice that told him how much his actions pained her.
I never meant to hurt you. He blanched. Blatant shame dancing across his face. I only left to figure out what the right thing to do is.
Her words were more brutal then if she’d struck him.
Anger tightened his face and a muscle ticked in his block jaw. “It was your choice as well, my lady. The act was not all my doing. You were vigorous in your...Actions.”
She swallowed convulsively. “Ungentlemanly of you to mention.”
“You didn’t complain of my conduct then…”
Encouraged actually.