An old, brittle shell cracks deep in my heart. My eyes well with tears, and I resist them.
Razul rubs my back. “Cry all you need, sweet girl. Do it for me. Fall apart. Let it all go.”
Every sniffle I’ve ever choked back, every tear I’ve ever hidden from an ICSS caseworker pours out of me in one flood. Razul doesn’t cringe back from my wails or flinch at my snot.
He just holds me.
My breath finally steadies. I feel raw, but… hopeful.
Razul reaches a blanket toward my messy face.
I shrink back. “Oh, no, you don’t have to?—”
Razul clicks his tongue and taps behind his ear, turning off his translator.
“Wait, Razul?—”
But he just ignores me, gripping the back of my neck firmly as I try to squirm away. When the soft linen hits my cheek, I relent, relaxing into Razul’s grip as he wipes my face clean. He holds the blanket in front of my face so I can blow my nose, then tosses it aside before running his fingers through my hair.
I remain determined to speak with him more. I appreciate the gesture, but surely he didn’tliterallymean what he said. There have to be parameters. Limits. Things I should be aware of so I don’t do something over the unspoken line.
There’s always a line.
I reach for his ear, and Razul gently but firmly grabs my arm and puts it back at my side. He grips my shoulders, massaging, and I melt at the touch.
That gets the better of me for a moment, but I remain strong in my purpose. Surely, if we talk it through, we can come up with a set of rules that will guarantee Razul remains happy with me being here.
While he’s still watching my hands, I focus on drafting these rules.
He really doesn’t have to cut my fruit; I can handle that. Of course, the counter is as tall as I am… maybe if we make a smaller table, and?—
Razul’s hands drop to my hips next.
Oh…
His fingers knead through the muscles, releasing the lingering soreness from my transformation.
But no, I can’t be this easy. I muster my focus, reaching for Razul’s ear while his hands are occupied. But he digs his fingers in deeper, and the pleasure makes my arms go limp.
Somehow I end up sprawled across Razul’s chest as he lies on his back, methodically massaging each and every muscle in my body.
When his thumbs find my feet, that perfect spot in the center of my arch, and I let out a loud moan.
He laughs quietly, knowing his victory is secure as I surrender, drifting into bliss.
CHAPTER 9
CELESTE
The next morning,I’m aware of being moved, and a cool breeze across my skin in the darkness. It’s quickly replaced with the cozy warmth of Razul’s sling. Rhythmic, gentle movement lulls me back to sleep.
A wash of light finally wakes me as Razul’s large, gentle hand rubs my cheek.
I glance up to see affection on his face, lit by warm, pure light.
He turns me toward the source: a gorgeous, blazing sunrise over the desert.
I gasp as I watch the desert come to life, rolling dunes cast in solid gold beneath a sky of flame.
