Page 45 of Dark Alliance
These days, my emotions ran wild and unrestrained. I no longer felt the need to hide them. Letting everything fade away and surrendering to the tide of feelings while we made love became an addiction.
I was worn out from the constant stream of thoughts swirling in my mind, tired from always looking over my shoulder, wary of Zeno, Rhea, or anyone else who might threaten us.
When Thal embraced me, all the chaos faded away. For a brief moment, everything seemed fine. However, I realized it was only fleeting. Once we separated, reality would assert itself, and the truth would come out eventually. I was the one who had to choose how and when that would happen, holding onto some control over the situation.
Zeno’s face flickered in my mind, and I had no doubt he’d be furious, perhaps even devastated. The idea of causing pain tosomeone I cared about made me dizzy, a chaotic mix of guilt and helplessness washing over me.
“Hey.”
In the harsh morning light, he didn't look like an angel. He looked like the king of a darker world. He was the shadow I couldn't escape and didn't want to. He moved toward me with that possessive, predatory stride, and I realized I wasn't looking for heaven. I was looking for him.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, wrapping my arms around his waist and kissing him.
“Forgive me for intruding,” he murmured, smiling into my eyes. “I know you probably need some time alone, but it was killing me knowing you were out here unprotected and upset. I can leave if you want me to.”
I laughed. “How did you know where I was?”
He pointed behind him at a lone man sitting on a park bench near the parking lot.
“I see.” I nodded. “Then, I wasn’t exactly unprotected, was I?”
He shrugged. “I’ll admit, I tend to be overcautious. You might need to get used to that because I don’t see it changing anytime soon.”
“I see.” I nodded, smiling up at him. “What are you afraid of, Thal?”
He tilted his head, looking at me thoughtfully before answering.
“So many things, honestly,” he said. “Where should I start?”
“Zeno and Rhea, I get,” I nodded. “But what else?”
“Isn’t that enough?” he scoffed, shaking his head. “We’re taking huge risks here, so I want to be prepared for anything.”
He placed his palm on my cheek, and I leaned into the warmth of his hand. His touch was soothing and made me feel secure.
But he was right. Anything could happen.
“I appreciate your caution, Thal, I do,” I admitted. “I’m very concerned that we might get drawn into this chaos. With Zeno’s potential retaliation, once he finds out the truth, and Rhea’s recklessness and viciousness, we’re risking everything like playing with fire.”
“I know,” he agreed. “And it’s only going to get hotter.”
I sighed, shaking my head. “Are we crazy, Thal?”
“Maybe.” He shrugged. “But I don’t see either one of us changing course now, do you?”
“No,” I admitted.
“Listen closely, Daphne. You're strong, and together, we're unstoppable. I realize how dangerous this situation is, but I believe we can handle any storm that comes at us. I vow to always trust your judgment, and I want you to trust mine. That’s the path to success and getting through to the other side.”
“You truly trust me, don’t you?” I asked, amazed at the very thought.
“I do,” he replied without hesitation.
A wave of love and happiness surged within me, overwhelming me as we talked about life and death. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked into his, sensing an unspoken bond that words couldn’t express.
“I can’t tell you how much that means to me,” I whispered.
And I meant it. Zeno never would have spoken such words to me. His constant criticism and relentless push to do more, be more, fight harder had always overshadowed any softness.
