Devoid [Bruno Mars]

Chapter thirty-four

Chapter thirty-four

Beyond Bruno's pool was a short stone wall serving as a border. It separated the end of his home's property from his neighbor's beginning.

That was where Bruno stood.

Back facing me.

I walked around the length of the pool, my heart beating rapidly at the sight of his stock-still figure. “B,” I called out in relief, not quite reaching him yet. He turned and like the thief he was, stole my breath. The setting sun outlined him in gold, sending the edges of his curly hair on fire, turning it into some sort of halo. For a second I thought about wings. Not silver, white wings, but ones that were molten gold. Bruno gently enfolded me, his shape familiar and comforting against mine. “I missed you,” I breathed.

“God, I've missed you, too,” he said, voice sounding rough. “How have you been?”

“Worried.” I kissed him. “So worried.”

A rueful smile touched his lips. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I just needed some time to think, you know?” I nodded. “I'm also sorry for that day—that day I accused you of sleeping with Joseph. I shouldn't have said it that way.”

“It's all right,” I assured. “I wasn't even thinking about it.” 

I gripped him tighter, and a breath hissed from his teeth as he tensed. I frowned, loosening my embrace. “You've been fighting again?”

“I can deal with the pain.” He pursed his lips. “I sort of like it.” 

“Are you hurt badly? You okay?” He shook his head first, then nodded reassuringly. I scanned his features and just realized the bruise underneath his eye. As I remembered the murderous look he'd had in his gaze, my frown deepened. “I don't like this, especially since it's illegal. But if you keep doing it just don't seriously mess up your face or throat. Your fans would start a war.”

He let out a laugh. “Nothing can lessen my good looks.” He kissed my forehead, then turned towards the sun. I stood next to him, our sides touching, watching the hills in the distance. There was nothing but the sound of wind before, “Are you still up for marrying me?”

I looked at him, smiling a little. “You weren't serious.”

He turned his attention to me sharply. “But what if I was?”

My mouth parted. He stared at me so intensely my heart rate picked up again. “Bruno,” was all I could get out.

He took both of my hands in his. A feeling of dread settled in my stomach. “Don't go.”

His gaze trapped me there, steady and intent. His thumb lightly messaged my palm. “Don't go looking for a cure. Come with me to Hawaii, Adrian. We can get married there.”

When I began to shake my head, his grip tightened. “Listen. You told me I only have two weeks, right? Two weeks is all I got, babe. Less than that. And I want to spend it home. I want to spend it with you.”

I searched his face. He was waiting for me to say yes. I could see every silent moment that passed between us wrap around his neck, nearly strangling him. The anticipation was clear on his mouth. Ready to smile or kiss. Ready to be relieved. “No,” I said. 

He looked stunned. “What?”

“No.” I yanked my hands from his. “No I will not go to Hawaii with you. No I will not marry you, Bruno. Is this what you spent three days thinking about? Whether to live or die?”