DIVERSITY

DIVERSITY- Chapter 25

The brief moments of relief had overpowered me, as I slide slowly down the concrete wall. I had been oblivious to the one concern that rendered my body helpless as It fought It's way to the surface of my mind.

Where was Damon?

Sputtering cries of disbelief, I clawed my way over to the gap In the wall, establishing a new record of speed. "Damon!"

My throat burned with the fresh effects of my yelling, but I did not care.

I waited as long as I could bare for a response, two seconds, before clambering on top of the bench at my feet and peering anxiously Into his cell. My lungs charred at my rugged breathing, heart skipping necessary beats.

This could not be happening. Damon could not be banished. He couldn't.

"Damon! Please!" I whimpered, a force within me strongly refused to believe that he was gone. My eyes became glassy, as a sheen of gathering tears began to well.

Without warning, I choked on my breath. My eyes travelled down to where I could feel warm hands stroking my own tentatively. I closed my eyes In thankfulness, a small and brief smile curving onto my lips.

Stammering uncontrollably, my arms moved automatically through the small gap In the wall, wrapping around Damon's neck, clinging to him as If he were my lifeline. My hands smoothed over the fabric of the black shirt that covered his back, embracing his smell, his masculine structure, the thrumming pattern of his heartbeat vibrating through my fingers. I memorised all that I could of him in that moment.

"You're still here with me." I breathed heated air, slightly muffled by his clothing as I buried my face In the crook of his neck. He had rushed as quickly as he could when he woke to my screams for him, ushering himself through the gap.

Damon's own muscular arms encircled around my thin waist, hugging me tightly to his chest. "Yes, I'm still here. Everything Is going to be okay for us now."

Damon's fingers brushed past my cheek to a curl of burgundy hair, stroking the tendril behind my ear as he lifted my chin up to look Into his eyes. "We can move on from this. We can start a new life together. Even If we are forced Into being trained as War Squad soldiers, we will still be together."

I processed his words, the part about becoming a soldier striking me uneasily, but the thought about us together settled the cautious feeling In my stomach. I gazed Into his eyes, still clinging to him tightly. "Damon?"

Damon's eyes searched mine, his curved finger still holding my chin gently. "Yes, Aria?"

I encouraged myself to at last confess the whole truth about my feelings for him. I sought the panic that consumed me at the thought of Damon being banished.

"Damon, I love you." The words escaped from my lips sweetly before I could stop myself.

Damon's face did not reflect surprise or uncertainty, but a genuine look of love and affection. His own lips curved Into a grin.

"I love you too, Aria."

My eyes travelled down from his emerald eyes to the curves of his lips. I wanted to kiss him. I really did, only I had never before kissed anyone. I wanted this moment to be perfect, so that I could forever cherish this memory.

Catching my stare, Damon's eyes settled on my flourished, red lips. He dipped his head slowly, making me grumble as he left me wanting him for the brief seconds I waited. I fluttered my eyelashes closed, bracing myself.

Suddenly, my cell door burst open without warning and I could not help but roll my eyes as our kiss was yet again interrupted. Caden stood In the doorway, a stern look creaming over his features. Abruptly, Damon and I untangled our arms from each other, straightening our postures as If nothing Important was about to happen before the interruption.