It still didn’t seem possible. Yet it was unfair of her to judge him because they were lacking.
“I’m sorry I doubted you. That I let others divide us.” Something too easy to do, as they had agendas of their own. Agendas that weren’t in Valynda’s and Nibo’s best interests.
But it was easy to get caught up in other people’s drama and to let them fill her head and heart with their lies and misconceptions. Belle had been right.
She should have gone to Nibo sooner and should have never sought out others to validate her own insecurities.
She should have trusted in Nibo.
“I don’t give my loyalty lightly, Vala. But when I do, it’s true and unyielding. You know this.”
She did. “But the others …”
“Are against us still.”
That was what made it hard.
“You will always bemon ange.” Kissing her, he deepened his strokes, and this time, she swore she could feel him all the way to her soul.
Sighing, she dug her nails into his back as she met him as an equal.
And this time, they came together.
Valynda held Nibo as she felt his heart racing in time to hers and his breathing began to slow in her ear.
“I love you, Xuri.”
“Et tu.”
She reveled in the warmth of him. If she could, she’d stay like this for all eternity. But unfortunately, they had to get dressed and return to the real world. To deal with problems that wouldn’t cease.
And drive evil back all the way back to Death’s Door.
Sadness gripped her as she toyed with the feathers in his hair and his curls that locked themselves around her fingers. Her beautiful Xuri.
After he fastened his breeches, he helped her straighten her gown. Then he kissed her shoulder and smoothed down her hair. “You are the most magnificent woman I’ve ever seen.”
Valynda smiled. “And I love that you lie to me like that.”
He tsked at her. “Why do you say such things?”
“Because I’ve seen Erzuli and Belle and Marcelina, so I know for a fact that you’ve seen far more beautiful women, but I will take that compliment and run with it.”
Nibo started to laugh, until he noticed something moving near them.
Instinctively, he pulled Valynda behind him to protect her, then used his powers to blast at what appeared to be a stain moving along the wall.
Shrieking, it transformed into a demon, then vanished.
Valynda gasped. “What was that?”
“Not sure.”
“Where do you think it went?”
He gave her a droll stare. “Having the same amount of information you do, I can honestly say I have no idea.”
“That’s not a good thing, is it?”
