“It’s overwhelming.” She began shaking. “Like it's taking over.” She yawned despite her fear. “And making me so tired.”
“’Tistaking you over, but not in a way you will lose yourself,” he replied. “’Tis best you rest your eyes now and sleep. Let come what may.”
“How can you say that considering what happened earlier today when you nearly fell to your death?” She started to panic, well aware mystical things were capable of taking over people. “Considering the dreams I’ve been having?”
“Because I sense what’s happening to you, lass.” His tone was both compassionate and firm. “My magic senses yours,” he revealed. “’Tis strengthened by yours.” He snuffed out the candle, thrusting them into darkness. “’Tis time to rest now, Chloe. Not fear.”
She was both surprised and relieved when he pulled her close, covered them with a blanket, and wrapped his arms around her. Again, it was more than she expected, but so welcome in the safety it offered that she blinked back tears.
“Sleep, lass,” he whispered, stroking her hair. “And let the magic come as it will.”
“What does that mean?” She swallowed hard, clueless what to expect. “Will it hurt?”
“Nay, ‘twill not hurt.” He hesitated a moment before continuing. “And I will be there every step of the way.”
“How do you know?”
“Because my magic says so.”
Something about his confident tone and the soothing sensation of being in his arms eased her. Lent peace. She breathed deeply and snuggled closer as her muscles one by one unlocked and warmth washed over her. Warmth like sunlight and good friends. Like love and laughter and all the moments that made life worth living. Darkness enveloped her in a new kind of peace before everything fell away, and Aidan was gone.
Buthewasn’t.
Her ex stood right in front of her, his gaze deadpan.
She was reliving a memory.
“I’ve loved her all along,” he said. “Maybe even before you.”
“Then why were you with me?” She bit back a sob. “Why put me through this?”
Pity lit his eyes though he had no trouble saying exactly how he felt. “Because I felt bad.” He shrugged, packing up his belongings. “I’m not sure if you realize it, Chloe, but you’re a lost cause. You want people to care about you, but all you do in the end is drive them away.” He shook his head. “Honestly, I’m surprised you even care that I’m going.”
“Of course I care.” She refused to cry. She refused to beg him to stay when she had done nothing wrong. “Why would you say that? Where is this coming from?”
“You’re never here, Chloe!” He shouldered his duffel bag and finally looked at her. “You haven’t been, and I doubt ever will be. All you care about is the next big story and getting ahead.” He shook his head again. “Not the real things that matter. The people in your life.”
He didn't wait for a response but tossed his key on the table and strode out.
Just like that, he was gone.
She was alone.
So alone, it made her double over and sink to her knees in pain. From foster home to foster home to men who never stayed. It was all the same, over and over. When had she started thinking this time might be different? That maybe, just maybe, she had found someone who could love her? Would the search never end? Because that's what it felt like sometimes.
A search for the right one so she wouldn't be alone anymore.
“Ye’re not alone, lass,” came a murmur from somewhere in her dream. “Never alone.”
Darkness fell again, like a curtain over her subconscious.
She fell into a lonely abyss she knew all too well until warm lips pressed against hers, and she wasn't alone anymore. She'd found a life raft in all the emptiness only to discover herself helplessly adrift. Lost in pleasure when those warm lips became exploratory. When her mouth opened beneath his.
Aidan.
These were his lips on hers.
His tongue seeking entrance.
