Fragile. So, fragile.
I can see the pulse of her heart beating in that vein, and I want to taste it. I want to feel it, hear it. Is it really there? Is it the same as I remember?
For a split second, the darkness of my past comes barging in, bringing back the memories and poisoning my thoughts but it’s as if she can feel it. She can feel the change in the atmosphere and turns her head, her green eyes locking on mine, and now all I see is my ray of sunshine.
My lychik, chasing away the storms.
The urge to kiss her, to feel her warmth against my skin is so strong…
Aurora breaks eye contact, letting her hair loose once again, and I clear my throat as if that will somehow clear the thoughts I’ve had. Thoughts that are now implanted into my brain.
“Thank you for dinner,” I tell her.
“Oh, that, it was nothing special. Just soup and Emett talking your ear off.” Aurora bites her lower lip, waving me off.
“It was the best dinner I’ve had.”
A soft blush colors her cheeks. “Well, I guess we won’t invite you over for that shepherd’s pie then.”
“Why?”
“Because if you thought this was nice, you might go into food coma then.” A teasing smile tugs on her lips, and I let out a chuckle.
“Maybe I’d like to take that chance.” My feet take a step closer.
“Careful, Mr. Brick, you’re living a life on the edge there.” She rolls her lips, hiding her smile and pushes off the counter before I can respond with anything other than another chuckle.
“Emett, honey, can you say good night to Severin, please? We need to go take a shower.”
Emett looks up, his brows pulling together. “But I don’t want him to leave yet.”
“I know, but we’ve already stolen his whole evening.”
“Can he put me to bed tonight?”
“Emett—”
“I’d love to,” I interrupt before Aurora can send me packing.
“You don’t have to. Emett is a big boy—he understands.”
“Aurora,” I stop her, and she looks at me. “I’d really love to. If that’s okay with you.”
“Please, Mommy. Pretty please.” Emett pulls his lower lip in a mock pout, and Aurora gives in instantly.
“All right.” She clears her throat. “The bathroom is down the hall.”
13
13 – Request denied
Aurora
Mydad’salreadyasleepwhen I walk into his room, so I tuck him in while Severin tries to wrangle Emett into his pajamas.
“Has the world tilted upside down recently, Daddy?” I whisper even though he won’t be answering. “I feel like it has, because suddenly, everything feels different. I mean, this morning all I had to worry about was the bills. Now? Well…I’d rather just have to worry about the bills and the leaking roof and even damn Aaron.”
Just not the gorgeous goalie in my bedroom.But I don’t say that part out loud.
