The Protector

Chapter 25 - part 1

Relishing in the feeling of freedom I take a couple of seconds to just sit up high and look around. The cool sea breeze washing over me. At this height there's nothing to stop it from filling my senses. I forget just how close we are to the ocean, I can just make it out in the distance. I spot a perfect rooftop close to the one we used as trainees. A low battlement means little can see in. as I land I assess the area, no door. No overlooking windows. This could possibly the only place in the castle where we could be truly alone. Settling down below the battlements I stretch out, tucking my arms behind my head I close my eyes and wait.

For the first time I feel for that bond. That bond that slipped into place just over a two weeks ago and find it deep within me. Like it's entwined with my own life force. I give a gentle tug on it and feel resistance from the other end and an answering tug in return. Edmon. I smile to myself it's not much but it's enough to let the other know if were in danger. If were close and most importantly whereabouts we are. From his small tug I think he's still down below. Possibly where I left him, maybe he's waiting for me or maybe someone's started talking to him. Whatever it is I send another tug with a question 'you coming?' I send unsure if it works like that.

I feel a small tug in respond and the sense of laughter along it. Maybe it does work like that as I feel a slightly stronger tug, one that threatens to move me along the roof.

Sitting up I look around, he has to be close. Feeling a third tug I know he's close.

"Good spot. That bond is really strong." He remarks jumping over the battlement and settling beside me as I lay back down. "I could really feel you though it."

"It's strange." I admit rolling onto my side to get a better look at him. "I think I could get used to it though." I add as I rest a hand on his chest.

"Yeah. At least it's only me though. Could be worse..." He muses.

"Could be better too." I mutter but I know he's heard me as soon as he flips me so I'm now on my back and he's hovering over me. My heart begins to race and his closeness but just like earlier I find myself craving it, wanting it.

"Care to repeat that my dear Alesia?"

"Not really, you heard what I said, why waste the energy?" I ask daring to pick a small piece of lint from his shoulder. "While you're up there though you mind moving to the right? The suns in my eyes and I can't see yours."

"Why do you want to see my eyes?" He asks complying.

"I like them. They are like a window to your soul. When you try to control your emotions you can't control your eyes they betray you to someone looking. It allows me to see what you're really thinking. Like now, you're raising your eyebrow like you're attempting to mock me but actually you are intrigued with what I have to say. I have your full attention and that's exactly what you want."

"How?" He begins to ask but instead I pull him ever-so-slightly closer as I attempt to ignore the that nervous electricity coursing between us everywhere we touch, the current feeling greater the closer we get.

"I guess I can just read you." I whisper, barely louder than the salty breeze. He reaches down, stroking his thumb down my temple allowing it to come to rest under my chin. I close my eyes, leaning into his touch. Keeping them closed I allow myself to get lost in the moment. I feel his breath wash over me as mine mingles with his. That honey and cinnamon that is so distinctly him. I allow him to lean in closer, our noses touching.

"Look at me?" He asks, his voice just as soft as mine. Slowly I open my eyes and smile in response to his; that twinkle in his eyes telling me he is truly happy here. I lift myself up slightly closing the gap between us and brush my lips against his, a ghost of a touch but it's enough. I hear his sharp intake of breath as I pull away to take in his reaction but I don't get a chance. Instead Edmon takes my face in his hands and presses his lips back against mine. I follow his lead as our lips move together, slowly, carefully, as if he's trying not to scare me. My hands find his hair, running my fingers through, holding him to me as he is me. His hands don't falter as they gently caress my cheeks. Slowly I allow him to pull away from me and I loosen my grip on his hair, just allow my hands to rest. Opening my eyes I can't help the smile that begins to force its way to my lips mirroring his.