“Why not? It's so obvious that we're meant to be together.”
“Not to me. To me, this feels like yet another dose of proof that love isn't enough.”
“Love wasn't enough with Rontor because he didn't love you in return,” Rian snarled. “I love you, Galin. Together, our love is compounded. It is enough to outlive the stars.”
My breath caught.
Vashana looked back and forth between us.
“I want that,” I finally whispered. “I want it badly. But I won't believe it until you make me yours.”
Rian chuckled. “Make you mine.”
“What's so funny about that?”
“Just that you see it as one-sided.”
“It is. I'm not a Dragon, so I can't give you what you'll give me.”
“But don't you understand? That makes me more yours than it makes you mine. If anyone should be worried about our love, it should be me.”
“Oh,” I whispered. “Why aren't you?”
“Because I don't give a fuck.” Rian laughed at my shocked expression. “I don't need a piece of your soul, Galin. I need your heart. All of it.”
“Fuck, you're good,” I murmured as I lifted my face.
He grinned as he lowered his.
A knock came at the door.
“Son of a bitch,” Rian growled as he turned away from my lips.
Vashana responded to his tone and growled as well, but she did so as she stepped between us and the door.
“Sweet girl,” Rian said as he stood up and went past her. “You don't have to protect me.”
“Here,” I said to Vashana.
She immediately came to sit by my side.
Rian opened the door. “Please, tell me that you haven't been waiting out here.”
“I've been in the salon,” a familiar voice said. “Are you . . . finished?”
“Not quite. Give us a few more minutes. Order lunch, and we'll join you shortly in the dining hall.”
“Very well.” Footsteps faded.
Rian shut the door and locked it this time.
“Geris?” I asked, the name putting a sour taste in my mouth.
“Yes.” He sat back down. “But I want a few more minutes with you alone.”
“I don't know if I can handle the dining hall.”
“Please, just try. If you start to feel poorly, I'll escort you out.”
