“Now that I’ve finally found you, you don’t want me?” he mumbled, the hurt evident in his voice. “What am I supposed to do?
“I don’t know.” I opened my arms in surrender and shrugged. “I’m just asking you to wait.”
“All isn’t lost, then.” He stilled and peered at me, hope gleaming in his eyes. “So, you’re saying that I have a chance? That we still have a chance?”
“I can’t promise anything.” I shook my head with pursed lips. “For now, I want you to leave me alone.”
“But you need comfort—”
“But not fromyou,” I corrected. “Zyxel, I thank you for taking care of me and for this meal, but it would be unfair to the both of us if I allow you to stay here any longer. I don’t want to accidently lead you on. If I allowed you to comfort me, I would do just that. For now, could you please give me the space I need?”
Sadness filled his pale face as he retreated toward the door. I thought I saw his scales lighten, too, from rich crimson to pink.
He paused in front of the door to look over his shoulder.
“I’ve waited all my life to find you. I almost gave up on the idea of mates and love. While I understand we met under difficult circumstances, at a crossroads in both our lives, I hope you will give me a chance once things settle for you. I’m sorry that tonight ended this way, but know that ever since I received your Cryopod, I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind.”
