Page 316 of Light Leech

How many of the scars on my fingers are from pulling teeth?”

I ignored that thought and forced myself to focus on her. The silence had become dangerous so I abandoned it. “Back to sincerity. I mean to say that I love that the Naoma I know is the real you. You don’t hide any secrets, you’re upfront with me, and you let me share your burdens.”

“Still not sure those are great qualities.”

I shook my head. “They are to me, but sincerity is only part of what I like about you. Don’t take this wrong, but I can’t choose something I like about you more than the rest. I like the whole Naoma, not just your beauty, kindness, and the hope that you bring. I’m glad I get to know this you and not the world thinks it knows. I love exploring yo–I don’t mean it that way!”

She giggled.

I laughed, too. “What I mean is… I dunno, I just love all of this. I love getting to know you as you discover more about yourself. I love that there’s more than a story to you. I love that every moment with you is a gift that is better than the wrapping ever promised. Every day with you is better than the last. I love that I feel comfortable with you. Better with you. I love that I am starting to understand what love might be with you. I love that when I’m with you, I don’t hate myself. You make me want to live. You make me want to finish this mess just so I can spend time with you. I thought relationships were a hopeless endeavor until I met you. I love that every other girl is a tasteless sight compared to your savor. Zeg that sounded stupid, but I mean it. I mean everything that I’ve said and my words are an awkward mess compared to what I actually feel. I love—“

She pulled me into a passionate kiss that burned every ounce of joy within me.

“–you,” I finished as she let me go.

“You love me?” she asked.

“I think I do.”

“I love you, too, Petya.”

Kyo squealed as she led the group in. “Gimme that passion babes!”

The heat of a crush bled into embarrassment.

“Hot stuff,” Kyo said as she sat down before us. “Is he a good kisser, Nay?”

Her laugh was forced and unsteady.

“Can we focus now?” Koro asked, still standing.

“Yeah, sorry, I–”

She held her hand up to me. “I don’t care.”

“What is it?” Naoma asked.

“You’re in,” Kao said, also standing.

Kao was relaxed, showing no sign of wanting to move as she focused on our embarrassed stares as if she wanted to read further into anything she might have missed. “You’ve got an invitation to a Dynasty celebration! It’ll be pulse as hell. You plug?”

“When?” I asked.

“Tonight,” Koro said. She looked at Naoma. “The Eunuchs are interested in seeing you.”

“Where is it?” I asked.

“Deer Palace Pavillion,” Kao said.

“Never heard of it,” I said.

Kyo smiled. “But you will. I had never heard about you until now, and after the news coverage, it seems like there is a lot more to you than your quiet little appearance.”

“What do you mean?”

“Looks like you’ve got some entertainment for the ride.”

Koro pulled Kyo up and waved for us to follow, not caring to wait. “Skyride’ll be out front in a few minutes. It’s a twenty minute ride but we need to stop at home to change first.”