Moon Bound

(38) Revelations|Regan's POV|

Wrapping my hand around hers, I silently led her through the woods. Gentle shocks of electricity traveled up from where our palms connected. This felt different – not as intense as when I had her against me, yet still right in a soothing kind of way, like cool water against skin.

Every once and then, she'd glance at me and I'd see the question in her eyes.

'Where are you taking me?'

She wouldn't say it. She'd stay quiet then look away. Just like I would. Only the sound of our footsteps was there. In our silence.

She said she needed her own space after her conversation with Christine. She didn't tell me what they'd talked about, just asked for space. And I was going to give it to her. As much as I could. As long as I could stand the cold when she wasn't around.

Her grip was loose against my palm. She didn't pull her hand away but she didn't want to hold mine, either. Just going through the motions.

Following the small path in the forest, I halted as soon as we reached it. It was one of the many small clearances in these woods. It was a place where I'd spent days thinking about her.

Just a few feet ahead, right by the twin oaks was the bower I built for her. I used my own hands to do it during the months she spent away from me. Spending time, finding tranquility in the work.

I stopped in front of the bower bench, motioned for her to sit.

"Why did you bring me out here, Regan?" she said before taking a seat.

I looked up at the sky, wondering what answer I was going to give her. The sun was going to set soon and even with spring in full bloom, the nights were still cold.

I slipped off my jacket. "Put this on. It's going to become cold soon," I told her, extending the hand holding the cloth. For several long minutes, she just stared at it and then her eyes shot up to mine.

"Please, just put it on, Scarlet." I didn't want us to fight.

She sighed, then surprised me by taking the cloth and wrapping it around herself.

"Do you like this place?" I opted.

She lifted her legs, hugged her knees to herself and glanced around. I wanted to hug her to my side, share the warmth of my body with her. I had to shake my head to clear it of that thought. She needed her time. She needed her space. She wouldn't respond well if I pushed her again.

A few minutes, it was how long it took for the words to tumble out. "It's alright, I guess," she said.

I wanted to snuggle against her, bury my nose in her, inhale everything that she was until I lost myself in her. My hands itched. My lips burned for the taste of her, just a taste, the smallest nip on her skin.

"I'll leave you to it then. Take your time. Return when you're ready," I told her instead and turned to leave her alone.

I wasn't even sure if she was going to stay here. Perhaps, she was going to leave me again. She could run away now and I wasn't going to stop her this time. I couldn't stop her this time.

I'd made just a few steps when I heard it.

"I hate it." Her voice, like a whisper carried by the gust of wind. "I hate it so much it's killing me."

Quickly, I spun around and made my way back to her. Placing a hand underneath her chin, I gently raised her head so she was looking at me.

"What is it, Scarlet?" I said, wishing that she would just open up to me and let it all out. Everything. Even if it hurt me to hear it.