VALERIE
Santorini.
I had just one one word to describe this place - paradise.
The island looked like a place straight out of a fairy tale. The candy-colored houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, and chalk-white buildings topped with cobalt-blue dome was just as I'd once seen in a travel magazine.
I was currently in bed, exhausted from the flight. We'd checked in at Santorini Sky. Our honeymoon suite was beautiful with an indoor jacuzzi, panoramic windows and a spacious terrace where Reed was presently sitting, working on his laptop.
When Reed had told me before we got off his jet that we were in Santorini, I was shocked and happy. After all this was one of the places I'd dreamed to see.
Now, lying on the bed in my nightgown the excitement had died down. I should be high on excitement but I wasn't.
I knew why. I've been down in the dumps since our failed kiss slash Reed's detached behaviour towards me on the jet.
I've come to realise despairingly that Reed had come to mean a lot to me. His every action affected my mood.
I wondered why that was. Perhaps his kindness and care for me? I shook my head, ruling out that possibility. I would've fallen for Acio a long time ago if that was the reason.
I huffed, getting out of bed. I walked out onto the terrace. I looked over at Reed who was still busy on his laptop. I sighed internally as I took in the beautiful sunset. It was beautiful.
I don't know how long I stood there enjoying the beautiful view and the warm breeze but when I turned to look at Reed, he wasn't there. His laptop sat closed on the wooden table.
Did he leave because of me? I bit my lip to refrain from crying. I turned back to enjoy the view but I couldn't even appreciate it anymore.
Reed please don't treat me like everyone else. I want to see that side of you that you hide from everyone but me. Reed I -
An arm snaked my waist, startling me.
Reed.
My heart raced. He smelled of soap meaning he'd gone to take a bath. His head dropped on my shoulder his other hand entwining our fingers. I closed my eyes, the feel of him overwhelming me.
My skin burned everywhere he touched as we stood without speaking. The silence was comfortable and yet so loud I was sure he could hear my heartbeat.
"Valerie..."
My eyes fluttered open. That voice. It was the one he used before he always kissed me. I couldn't take it anymore.
I tried to pull away but his arm only tightened around my waist as he spun me around to face him.
Want.
That was the emotion in his heated silver-gray eyes. I hadn't been able to understand that look before but now I did. I did because I wanted him too.
I inhaled sharply, my heart aching. He didn't love me how could he want me? He shouldn't do this to me. I wanted him. I wanted him to love me.
No! I couldn't be greedy. He couldn't want me. I said I would be okay with him caring. My love would be enough for the both of us but...
I can't help but want things differently. I couldn't help but want...more.
"Stop biting your lip. It's bleeding."
My eyes opened. I could taste the metallic taste of blood. Shit! This was an old behaviour of mine when I was young. I used to bite my lip or dug my fingers into my palm until they bled because the physical pain distracted me from the emotional pain.
