Everly ~
Minutes turned to hours as Ronan and I laid on the forest floor, talking about anything and everything we could.
My mind was racing and my heart was full, but I found it difficult to keep my eyes open after a while.
"You're tired. I can feel it." Ronan said as his eyes studied me for signs of fatigue.
"We can keep talking." I offered.
Already rising to his feet, Ronan rejected the idea immediately.
"We can talk tomorrow." There was concern in his voice. Concern that I was missing out on sleep.
Allowing him to help me to my feet, I felt Ronan's hand on the small of my back as we traveled back toward the castle. Every touch was electric and I was acutely aware of every ounce of physical contact that we shared.
Feeling like my senses had been heightened, I found myself listening to the steadiness of his thumping heart as we walked together. His breathing pattern was distinct and soothing and I had to fight the urge to reach out and touch him.
The sudden need for him was intense and new, but it felt as natural and effortless as breathing.
I noticed that Talon had extinguished the fire and that the barrier had yet to return indicating Kaes' continued absence.
A pang of guilt hit my stomach as I recalled the awful things I'd said to Kaes.
"He doesn't care." Ronan said as if I'd spoken the words out loud. "You didn't hurt him, you can't."
"I didn't realize I'd sent that through the bond." I said sheepishly.
"You didn't. But, your thoughts are...loud right now.
This experience was just as new to Ronan as it was to me and we were both adjusting slowly.
It was quiet and still when we entered the castle, but the loneliness had faded. Ronan and I ascended the stairs together, but when it came time to part ways, I felt myself hesitate.
Please don't go.
I heard his distinct plea float down the bond and settle in my ears.
"We can stay up longer if you're not ready to..." I offered, but Ronan cut me off with a shake of his head and a wave of his hand.
"Ignore me." Ronan said firmly. "I didn't mean to..."
"I understand." I quickly added, hoping to put him at ease.
There was an awkward verbal silence between us as we stood there, getting used to the new sounds and sensations, wondering - where do we go from here?
"Sleep well" was all Ronan managed to say before turning his back to me and walking to his large bedroom with his fists clenched. His movements were swift and angry as if he had to force his body to leave my side.
"Sleep well." I returned with a smile, trying to pretend I didn't feel the same magnetic pull toward him.
I washed and changed into one of the many nightgowns that Kaes had placed in a closet for me. Gods only know where he got them, but I pushed the thought out of my mind as I crawled into bed.
Instead of crickets chirping to keep me awake, it was the steady thrum of Ronan's pulse. I could sense him just beyond those walls. He was moving. Pacing. My eyes tracked him back and forth.
Settle.
I sent down the bond in a whisper.
I can't sleep.
Try.
The small encouragement was enough for him to become still and I assumed he was now in his bed.
Closing my eyes, I tried to sleep. I tried to quiet my own thoughts, but it was no use. My body screamed for Ronan knowing he was just on the other side of those walls.
Trying to stay as quiet as possible, I slipped out from under the blanket and silently moved toward Ronan's room. Keeping my breathing silent and the sound of my steps concealed, I approached the door with caution.
Finally.
His silent, yet loud approval gave me the courage to open the door, finding Ronan sitting up in his bed.
"I can't sleep either." I said as I closed the door behind me. "This is going to take some getting used to."
"I already feel better with you in the room." Ronan's voice was cautious and hopeful all wrapped in one.
"I could stay for a little while." I offered, taking a few steps into the dark bedroom.
"Or you could stay longer."
Ronan's eyes were dark and he watched me intently, letting his eyes sweep over my entire body.
When I didn't immediately respond, he started to shift his body weight and scowl as if he'd made a mistake.
"There are no expectations here, Everly. You don't have to do anything you..."
"I'd like to stay." I cut him off, putting a relieved smile on his face.
My feet carried me toward the bed and I watched as Ronan moved his large shirtless body, leaving a space for me in the bed. Before I could overthink it, my body made the decision for me.
I crawled into the bed and felt Ronan tense. It was obvious that he was trying to exercise control over his body around me and that it was not an easy task.
"Lay wherever you're comfortable. I'll move around you."
Moving closer, I noticed Ronan's chest inflate with a sharp intake of air as I cautiously rested my head against his bare chest. My body was tense and ready to move, but I felt Ronan's massive arms wrap around me.
Thank the Gods.
He was relieved and relaxed which put a smile on my face.
Feeling more confident, I nestled my head against his chest and melted against him feeling a sudden wave of contentment followed by an intense sleepiness.
"Sleep." Ronan insisted, holding me tightly against his body as if he'd sensed my sudden fatigue.
It was easy to follow his command and my eyes closed immediately.
I could hold you forever.
With my eyes closed and a smile on my face, I wasn't sure if he'd meant to send that down the bond. But I'd heard it all the same.
***********
Thoughts? Theories? I love hearing from you!
I tried to write this with the realistic perspective of being intensely pulled and in tune with a person you barely know. That the infatuation is instant but the love has to be earned.
