"Why?"
He said nothing for several uneasy moments. She tried to pull free, but his embrace only tightened. His shoulders lifted with a heavy breath and ice crept into her heart. He caught her chin, holding her still and forcing her to look into his penetrating gaze.
"Because I love you, Thora."
She nearly wept, blinding joy suffusing her entire being. It was just what she wanted, had prayed and pleaded to the gods to grant this one wish. Now it was real.
Or was it? This was the second time today she felt as if the events around her were only a dream. Not real.
"Again, you taunt me." She jerked to escape his embrace, but his arm tightened further around her.
Ari shook his head, his eyes glittering with a deep affection she'd never seen before. She stopped resisting, reality seeping through the maelstrom of thoughts, hopes and prayers to bring a sense of peace. The chaotic riot of emotion finally settled on one.
Love.
He loved her! Something deep inside acknowledged that was all she wanted, from the very first moment he'd come into her life.Savedher life. From the very first time she laid eyes on him, something primal within her acknowledged the truth.
They were meant to be.
No doubt remained the gods had surely planned this, and despite her momentary annoyance at their games, Thora knew she would endure even more to stay with Ari. As long as he loved her.
Whatever games the gods played, she'd learned at an early age that to appease them ensured a happy and fruitful life. The days ahead would be difficult and the very real threat of losing Ari forever, now that she knew how he truly felt, loomed in the distance, a dark shadow threatening to cast the sunshine from her life.
Now she wondered just how nefarious the gods' games could be.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Ari watched the play of emotions flicker in Thora's eyes, wondering at her thoughts. He'd just confessed his feelings for her and still she said nothing. But her eyes remained locked on his and he read a joy in them he'd not seen before. The sight soothed the growing fear that perhaps she didn't share his feelings.
"Thora?"
She smiled then, her dark gaze shiny with unshed tears. "Do you truly mean it?"
Her voice was a hoarse whisper, much like it was when she was lost in passion. The sound sent a bolt of longing straight to his cock. With a press of his body against hers, he slid his fingers through her hair, holding her still while he lowered his mouth to hers. The heat in her lips surrounded him like a heavy cape, cocooning him in warmth.
He swept deep into her mouth, suddenly desperate with the need to show her how much he wanted her. Needed her. Loved her. She trembled against him, responding eagerly, her fingers digging into his shoulders. When he drew away, he could barely catch his breath.
"Do you believe I meant what I said now?"
She nodded, the tears finally spilling free and sliding down her cheeks. He brushed them away.
"Why do you cry?"
Her sharp intake of breath seemed a shout to his ears. She blinked several times, a broad grin curving her delectable mouth.
"I cry because I am happy."
He rolled his eyes. "I never understood why women weep when they are happy."
She laughed, a melodious tune that hung over them for several moments before fading away. He silently swore. This woman made him think things only a bard should sing in a fantasy tale.
"Ari, I never thought... that is, I had hoped, but I didn't think... I thought I was only a means for vengeance."
"Perhaps at first, you were. But you are much more than that, Thora." He relished the way she gave a little shiver when he said her name. She always did that and he loved seeing it every time.
"I love you, Ari. That you love me as well is more than I ever dreamed."
The last knot of uneasiness loosened. He kissed her again, hard. When he drew away, she murmured a protest, but he finally released his hold on her. When she licked her lips, he almost kissed her again, but somehow refrained.
