Page 78 of The Commons

My eyes gaze at him, then away as we stand in serenity. His piercing eyes never leave mine, even as I look down. He stares at my face like he is admiring me. He even licks his lips, tracing my every move as I tilt my chin down. Why is he admiring me? He’s seen my face before. Gosh, there is so much intensity in his eyes. I look to the left in hopes of averting its crushing pressure. Those eyes of his should be revered and feared.

I barely look away for two seconds before his fingers tilt my face back toward him. Then he tilts my chin up. Slowly, my eyes gaze at him. I fold my lips as he kisses me on the side of my head. I feel so safe, so soft, like I can melt into him like water.

His hands glide through my hair, twirling a strand in his finger, scrolling down from my cheeks to my lips. I open my mouth and catch his thumb. He smiles. That’s how he was catching my tongue. My eyes glimmer, unfolding my lips, letting his thumb go. Gently, his other hand travels up my fingers all the way to my neck, grabbing my face. “Did you like that?”

I nod.

“Good.” He is satisfied, and I’ve never seen him satisfied. “I like you.”

Wow.

My face lights up like a beam. My lips glisten in a twinkling crescent. I look up to see his golden eyes. I’ve never seen him smile so warmly—it’s like the sun in my soul. He bites his lips, narrowing his eyes as though reading me, or expecting me to reciprocate. I can’t help but smile. I like that he enjoys hearing my voice. I also like that he’s talking freely and sharing his heart with me.

So… I take his hands. I can’t believe I’m brave enough to finally be completely vulnerable with him. I take them and I place them on my racing heart, and he feels the thuds that are beating like a banging drum. And he stares into me, and I stare at him, and I am not afraid in this moment. I am at peace. “I don’t know if I can ever say sorry for disrespecting you. But my heart is yours if you want it. I hope in time it will be enough.”

His hands stay on my chest for a while, even as I let go. Then he moves his hands smoothly from my chest, to my neck, to my face. With both hands, he grabs my head. “Mmm.” And he whispers, so sensual, so low, with such vibrato, “You are saying all the right things. You are doing all the right things. God help me to do the right thing right now.”

My God.

I enter his embrace, and he holds me close. “I trust you.”

Pesh always does the right thing, deep down. I know how kind he is. I’ve known this, no matter how much he hid it from me. And I now know how much he cares for me. I rest in his arms, and it feels so safe. Finally, being cradled by the moon in this dark place I’m in. We exhale, and we do not hold our breaths, free at last with one another.

He drops me to the floor.

Feeling overwhelmed in this moment, I stupidly say, “Um… Should I go now?”

He smirks. “No.” His eyes strike mine. “Have dinner with me?” he says. “At the Porch of Grindoria, it’ll just be me and you. And afterwards, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.”

“What time?”

“Midnight.”

“That’s really late,” I say.

He smiles. “I know, but the timing is important. Will you trust me?” he responds softly.

I simply stare as I see myself nod and my eyelashes flicker, allured.

I think I just fell for Pesh.

CHAPTER 17

The Porch of Grindoria

Simmering and soaring, the Commonda Ocean roars underneath the starry skies. My eyelids are highlighted in gold, mixed with little silver sparkles. My radiant cheeks warm, nervous on what’s about to happen. A full moon reflects against my eyes, and I inhale the smell of fresh air wafting through my nose.

Stepping inside the Porch of Grindoria, sparks of yellow light from a blazing fire illuminates my face. I step on wet limestone rocks encircling the concrete fire pit. I adjust my white dress with golden sequins, rubbing my hands against the hem. Pesh said dinner, but I think it is a first date. Though I am not completely sure. I try to enjoy the feel of the gentle breeze on my skin while I’m waiting for him.

I release a deep breath, then it all hits me: a billion thoughts run through my mind: My sister’s mysterious whereabouts… why has it been so difficult to get Pesh to say anything substantial about it? But he promised to tell me everything tonight. I’m sure he wouldn’t be so nonchalant about locating her if she was in danger of death or something like that... Right? I’d assume so… but then again, Pesh is always calm.

I look around, about to take another deep breath to let go of the worry, then another thought hits me: I’ve never been on a date before. What on earth do people do on these things? But Pesh is not like other people, and I suppose that takes away some weight, about a hundred pounds, I’d say. But the fact that he is not like other people adds another five hundred pounds of weight on me. It doesn’t help to analyze this in such a way. I try to remember the verbiage he used when he asked me to dinner. He said the timing was important, but in what way, he did not say. Before I can think of another question, I feel his breath on my skin.

He approaches from behind, locking my legs with his, whispering into my ear, “What are you thinking?” He takes my hands and swirls me into his enchanting embrace.

“I—” I stutter.

“About me?” he continues, and pulls me tighter to himself.