Fading {Book Two of The Descendants series}

Chapter Fifteen

Lloyd stared pensively out the window. Aira was sitting on the bed. She had been trying to read, but Lloyd's obvious nervousness made her worry. She put her book down and looked at him carefully.

Normally Lloyd would notice if someone was staring at him, but he didn't notice and finally Aira stood up. Even that didn't rouse him.

"Lloyd?" Aira whispered in his ear.

Lloyd jumped slightly and turned. She looked at him worriedly.

"Is there something you need to tell me?" She asked. "You haven't been yourself."

"What do you mean is there something I need to tell you?" Lloyd asked. He looked at her confused.

"Do you still love me?" Aira asked.

Lloyd's eyes widened and he looked at her completely shocked.

"Why would you even need to ask that?" He asked completely taken a back. She didn't say anything but lowered her eyes and bit her lip. "Have I really been that distant lately?"

"Yes," Aira nodded. "We've been married for almost twenty-three years. I've never seen you like this."

"Aira, I love you so much," Lloyd said taking her hands in his. "I'm so sorry I made you second guess that."

"Then what's bothering you, Lloyd?" Aira asked.

"You usually know," Lloyd said raising an eyebrow at her.

"My telepathy can't even find out," Aira said. Lloyd's eyes widened. No wonder she was worried.

"Something just doesn't feel right," Lloyd said. "Something is not right!"

Aira jumped at his sudden tone of voice. He steadied her with a hand on the small of her back. She could tell that he didn't mean something with their relationship.

"Lloyd, you aren't making sense," Aira said.

"We've been lured into a false sense of security!" Lloyd said removing his hand and beginning to pace. "I didn't want to say anything because everyone seems really happy right now. I didn't want to be a killjoy."

"Lloyd," Aira said rolling her eyes. "We all trust your instincts and you know that. The only reason you didn't tell us was because you don't trust yourself about how you're feeling."

"Right, as always," Lloyd nodded then he smiled at her.

She smiled at him and relaxed her shoulders. Her worries began to leave her. Lloyd smirked.

"What's that face for?" She said cocking her head at him. He reached out and played with a loose strand of her hair.

"It's nothing," he said. He looked her straight in the eyes. His gaze was intense. Her breath caught in her throat. "I just enjoy the fact that even after twenty-three years I can still make you blush."

"I am not blushing," Aira said smacking his arm. She could tell that she was blushing. "I'm just warm that's all."

"Why are you warm," he said not breaking his gaze.

"Is the heat on?" She asked trying to play it cool. She gave him a cheesy grin. "It's just kind of hot in here so, ya know, that's why my cheeks might be-er-um-flushed?"

"And I can still make your heart beat faster," he said taking a step forward. He looked down into her eyes. She took a step back but hit the wall behind her. She breathing began to quicken.

"Okay, Lloyd," she said breathlessly. "You win."

"Win what?" He smirked.

He ran a finger down her cheek, neck, and stopped at her collar bone. She felt her heart beat faster. He slowly bent down and kissed her firmly. She returned the kiss just as passionately as he gave it. He pulled back but hovered over her mouth with his lips.