“Well, I know you don’t care for the others.”
“I do if you’re there. That makes them almost cozy.”
He stared at me in that way he often did, as though he still couldn’t believe anyone would view him that way, nor feel that way about him.
But I did.
So very much.
He took my hand and wove his fingers with mine and I marveled at the intricate black veins threaded through his skin that melded so prettily with the golden fissures and cracks plaguing mine. It was so perfect in an unconventional way—I supposed that was the essence of our coupling.
He raised our joined hands and pressed a kiss to my fingers. “Come, treasure. Let me show you the rest of your surprise.”
More than a little intrigued, I let him lead me to the shimmering black diamond door, my hand tightening in his as excitement thrummed through me. Even though he didn’t possess the sort of durability that creatures like vampires or dragons did—which I had both of in my makeup—due to his power and its roots in highly-controlled black magic, it provided him another sort of durability which meant if I ever lost brief control of my strength in excitement or upset, it couldn’t harm him. I didn’t have to tone myself down around him or practice constant control every single moment when we were together.
And it was even more perfect, because it worked both ways. It had been discovered as we’d grown closer that I couldn’t be negatively impacted by his black magic either, that his particular brand of it wasn’t toxic or detrimental to me, let alone any sort of potentially corrupting force.
With a flick of his magic, he unlocked the front door and we stepped inside.
I looked all around, taking in the dark stone floors that had a curious sheen much like wet ink. The surrounding walls werea pale gray, and a narrow navy runner covered the floor. On a tall table there was a shallow black crystal dish with a soft flame that looked like a captured star, providing muted and soothing illumination.
“The living room,” he spoke, leading me into a room a few feet down to the left, just past a navy diamond staircase.
We stepped inside to what could best be described as a temple of comfort.
There was a midnight gray leather sectional that looked so incredibly soft, a charred wood coffee table in front of it. Just off to the side was a lovely stone fireplace burning with a flame that was black at the edges with silver at its core.
And then there were sapphire, purple, and ivory velvet throw pillows over the sofa, even a soft blanket draped in a casual way—not his style, but definitely mine. Just like the pillows and blankets themselves. There were even plants clustered around the windows and corners of the room.
I looked up to see hanging lights shaped like starlight in the ceiling, giving off such a cozy and enchanted vibe.
“This surprise… you did this forus.It’s not just another home that happens to be distinct from your others.”
“Correct. It’s a great deal more than that. I call itAdamor.”
“Diamond-love?”
“The literal translation, yes.” He gave my hand a squeeze. “The meaning, however, isus.I forged this home all for us, Ketheron.”
“Ourhome?” I breathed.
“That was the intention.” A rare nervous smile played on his lips. “If you are ready to step into this new realm of our relationship with me. Should you need more time, of course take as much as you require, just know that this home will be waiting for you.”
I slid my hands down to his hips, brushing circles over his cloak there. “You are always so patient with me.”
“Well, that goes both ways.” He stroked my forearms and I could see the struggle all over his face to keep from sliding higher to my biceps. When he lingered there, it was more often than not the indication that he wished to indulge physically with me.
Just the thought of it had me stirring.
With him being away for too long recently, then us being focused on the investigation, we hadn’t been with each other in that manner for a while. We were both clearly feeling the strain of it now.
But I made myself focus on the conversation at hand. It was far too important to merely gloss over.
Besides, if things weren’t smooth and steady emotionally between us, I couldn’t sink into the physical aspect of things—it posed some sort of barrier. Ambrose said it was because the emotional intimacy and connection between us was inherently important to me, first and foremost to me.
“Both ways?” I queried. He was the one who’d taken his time with me and had to put up with my quirks and general odd way of being. Although, he didn’t like it when I referred to it that way. He always said that what I worried was‘odd’was actually uniqueness that made me‘stand apart in a spectacular way’.
“My work has stagnated our relationship.”
