The Things We Choose by Jessica Grayson

Author:Jessica Grayson [Grayson, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781642531077
Publisher: Purple Fall Publishing
Published: 2019-11-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Marek

I wake with a start. Clutching my chest, I struggle to slow my heart rate and breathing as images from my nightmare replay in my mind. Turning to my side, I panic when I notice the space beside me is empty. Although I know Elizabeth is alive, each time I relive her death in my sleep, I cannot seem to calm myself until I see her, hear her voice, and know for certain that she is alive and well.

Swinging my legs over the bed, I rush to the door. As soon as it opens, I find Elizabeth standing on the other side, two mugs of chai in her hands.

She greets me with a dazzling smile. “You’re awake.”

Taking the cups from her, I quickly set them on the side table and pull her into my arms. Resting my forehead against hers, I close my eyes briefly as my body sags with relief.

Her concern bleeds through our faint bond. “You had the nightmare again,” she whispers.

She says this as a statement instead of a question, because I’m almost certain she can feel it through our connection. Unable to speak through my emotions, I nod.

Running her delicate fingers through the hairs at the nape of my neck, she touches her lips to mine in a gentle kiss, and I open my eyes to stare deep into hers.

“I’m here, my love,” she says softly. “You saved me, and we’re all right.”

I already know this. Just like I know, deep down, that my fear is irrational. But I also understand an even deeper truth. To love is to be forever vulnerable. My heart is no longer my own; it belongs only to her. Of all the emotions my people are taught to suppress, I understand now why love is considered the most dangerous—because it has the power to destroy.

She pulls back just enough to look up at me with her luminous blue eyes. “Are you okay?”

The edges of my lips quirk up slightly as I study her beautiful face. “I am now.”

A warm smile curves her mouth, and her eyes dart to the two mugs I left on the table. “Want to snuggle up together with some tea while we watch the sunrise?”

Snuggling is a Terran activity. One that is quickly becoming my favorite. We snuggle each time we lay down in the bed, and now that I’ve been exposed to the effects of this Terran courtship ritual of affection, I am addicted to it. But as she retrieves the cups and hands one to me, I cock my head slightly to the side. I do not understand how we will “snuggle” while holding our tea.

As if sensing my question, she laughs lightly at my quizzical expression, shaking her head softly as she leads me onto the balcony just outside our bedroom.

Although the view is breathtaking, I frown when I realize there is only one long lounge chair and side table. There does not seem to be room for another one.

She turns to me.

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