Well, almost everything. I know she worries that I refuse to do the claiming. That it means something. Even with the confessions we shared, she has her doubts. Not that I could possibly blame her. It will take time. And in the meantime, I’ll show her again and again how perfectly we fit together.
I don’t even question whether or not it’s true that her soul was made for the pieces of mine, though I wish that was something Eamon had discussed as a possibility before she came around.
If I had known years ago that someone existed out there for me, would I have lived my life differently? Would I have believed Eamon if he had told me? No, probably not. I never thought caring for anyone in this capacity was possible. Every time I’ve heard the wordlovein my near-millennia of life, it’s been as an out for despicable behavior.
A man gets caught cheating?But I love you; she didn’t mean anything. It was a mistake.
A father accidentally gambles away his son’s college fund?I’m sorry, son, but I love you. I’m your father, so you must forgive me.
There’s no place in a world as ugly as this one for something as soft and breakable as love. Love is… fleeting, convenient.
“Hey guy, we’re waiting here,” the man across from me barks.
His particular brand of impatience almost certainly means that he’ll be indulging in some violence before too long. Whether it’s me going too slow or the poor server stuck bringing him his drinks. With a muttered apology, I focus on the deal, ensuring he loses every god’s damned penny.
A push of misplaced confidence here, a dash of fear when he seems to have a good enough hand to win anything. This place is my sandbox, and I get to run it how I want. But all I want to do is get home to my people. My… strange, perfect little family waiting for me.
20 minutes left, then I get to wrap my little Songbird in my arms.
When I finally wrap it up and the next dealer steps in, it’s to scattered applause, half the table grateful to have a chance to win, the other half getting up and taking their winnings with them. I’m not a monster—well, I am, but I digress— and a few of those people needed the boost. Vegas is a hard place to be, and everyone needs a win every once in a while.
Walking through the door, I don’t hear a peep from Bel, but I can feel where she is. I can smell Caspian cooking in the kitchen, listening to music in his headphones, fully engrossed in his passion. It makes me so immensely happy to have him back.
Not as happy as I’m about to be when I tackle Bel, and he’s none the wiser, but still.
“Don’t even think about it,” Caspian announces suddenly from the kitchen.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I place a hand on my chest, affronted by the accusation.
He pulls the headphones down around his neck, “She is off limits right now. Made that very clear.”
I groan and look up at the ceiling, “Why?”
“She’s bleeding.”
“What?” Panic fills my veins, “What do youmeanshe’s bleeding? If she’s hurt why are you just standing there cooking like everything is fine? Did her wound on her hand open back up? What thefuckhappened?”
His booming laughter nearly shakes the whole apartment, getting Belissenda’s attention enough to bring her into the room, seemingly fine.
Why isn’t anyone else freaking the fuck out? Why is she looking at me like that? And what is she wearing?
Those are the two worst articles of clothing I’ve ever seen. I’m half tempted to tear the offending things from her to stop them from assaulting my vision. Then I’ll get to see her naked. Win-win. Baggy black sweatpants covered in rips and stains drag along the floor with every step she takes, and a T-shirt from some dispensary is covered in paint splotches, reaching nearly to her knees.
Even with the monstrous clothing she’s chosen, she’s so god’s damned beautiful right now.
“Are you okay, Sweets?” I practically run to her side, clutching her hand, “What’s happened? Caspian said you’rebleeding. Do we need to go to the—oh.”
Cas and Bel laugh even harder, Bel clutching her stomach, “Oh, god. Oh, don’t make me laugh. That hurts.”
I’m an idiot.
“Get back in bed, Bel. I’ll bring you dinner in a moment,” Caspian orders. She happily complies, me following two steps behind her the whole way while she continues laughing at my idiocy.
As she settles in, I sit beside her on the edge of the bed, gazing at my gorgeous girl.
“What?” she laughs.
I bring her hand to my mouth, kissing her knuckles, “You’re just so beautiful. It takes me by surprise every time. I’ll never get used to the way it feels when you smile at me.”
