Finn chuckled as he released my foot and stood to his full height. “You’re not getting out of going to the doctor that easily.” His head cocked, considering me. “Is there a reason why you don’t like doctors?”
I took a large drink of wine, lifting the glass to my lips and enjoying the perfection that poured into my mouth. “Maybe I fear them finding something wrong with me one day.”
The white tiger procured his own glass from the counter, asking candidly, “Are there any hereditary illnesses that run in your family lines?”
“Actually, there aren’t. It’s simply an irrational fear I have. I like living. And I want to be healthy until I’m old and wrinkled.”
His white brows furrowed over his stunning eyes. “I can’t imagine you with wrinkles.”
I grinned, my teeth flashing as I chuckled. “You’re supposed to say, I will be beautiful even when I become an old woman.”
“That wasn’t what I meant.” He shook his head, his brows still furrowed. “I think I’ve become more attached to you than even I’d realized. I hadn’t thought of the fact your body will grow old…and I will not.”
I ran my eyes over his features. They were drawn tight in consternation. I asked him honestly, “I know what will happen if I’m your mate. That is plain enough to see. But what will happen if I’m not? Is this an ordinary dalliance until I feel it’s safe to go home or is this more?”
His lips thinned. “I’ve never actually dated a human before. And I’ve certainly never married one. Humans are so fragile. They end so quickly.”
I appreciated his honesty.
“But…,” he continued, “I’ve never met a woman like you before, either.”
“Is that a compliment?” I sipped my wine.
“The best of them.”
I hummed and tapped my fingers against my glass. “You don’t know, do you?”
Brilliant blue eyes lifted from the floor where he was staring and connected with mine. “I think I do know.”
“You do?” I asked in surprise.
I hadn’t expected that.
“I want you to be my mate. I’mhopingthat you’re my mate. And that’s a forever relationship—the good and the bad.Forever, Mina.” His brows rose as if I should have realized this by now.
He persisted, “Why wouldn’t I want to be with you, even if you age and die? You don’t throw away someone you believe is perfect for you, just because you’re scared of what mortality will take. Humanity would be lost if every human behaved like that.”
My jaw was gaping. “Finn…”
His smile was patient. “I know, I know. But I am much older than you are. I’ve seen love in others from the first spark. I know what it looks like. We’ve got that spark, and so much more.”
I sucked in a breath, and whispered, “Are you going to take me to bed now, Mr. Baker?”
Finn smirked and lifted my wine glass from my hands. He set both down on the counter, and then he turned and lifted me into his arms, holding me close. “Yes, Mina. I’m taking you to bed now.”
