Ch.14

He followed her to the stairs, his steps uncertain and slow. Evander didn't know what to say. Should he tell her why he was leaving? Perhaps she knew already and it was all right for him to stay. He watched the way her hips moved under her robe, the curve of her waist, her shapely shoulders. As they climbed the stairs, Ivi pulled her hair back further, revealing the low cut of her neckline. His cock stirred at the sight. What had once been a smooth line was now marked with a single small scar. How long ago had that happened? It hadn't been there the last time he saw her.

They arrived on the main floor, where the crowd gathered around the table in the centre, laughing and talking. There were ten people there, all elves, by the looks of things, though no one immediately spoke to him when he entered the room. All the elves stared at Ivi in awe, their mouths hanging open as they stared at her. Evander, too, had no desire to speak. His throat was tight, and every word seemed to have trouble getting past it. Instead, he stood near the door, admiring her in silence.

Evander turned to face her, wrapping his fingers gently around her slender waist. He felt her breath catch slightly beneath his touch, and he smiled. The gesture made him feel like a child, but it was such a thrill for him. This wasn't just a kiss—this was a first step on the path toward something more. She stood stiffly before him as if she"d forgotten how to react. He wanted her to kiss him back, to play along, to lie against his chest and make love to him like there was nowhere else in the world.

But instead, she stood there, looking away.

The sound of something clattering to the floor at her side made Evander pause, and then turn quickly. The bowl of fruit lay shattered on the wooden floor, and Ivi's eyes were wild. She reached out, trembling, and took a step forward.

It was only for an instant, but it was enough. Evander gripped her shoulder and pulled her to him. When he wrapped his arm around her waist, however, Ivi trembled wildly and pulled back. Her hand went to the dagger at her belt, and she stepped away from him.

Her back hit the wall, and Evander"s heart sank. He had done nothing wrong, though. She would have to accept him, wouldn't she? Why should she not be his now? He lowered his head to hers, but when their lips came so close together, Ivi jerked her head away, knocking his cheek painfully. She turned to look into his eyes, the blue of them a blur in the candlelight.

"Ivi . .. Ivi . .."

"Don't say that," she breathed, pulling away. "Say something else."

He stroked her hair, unable to speak. What was there to say? It seemed as though every attempt to respond had been stymied by his tongue, which did not move properly to get the words out.

"You should go," she whispered.

***

Evander could only stare at her in silence. What was it about the elves that made him feel this way? They had the same types of feelings he did, yet it all fell apart at the slightest hint of awkwardness. Could it be this simple, or were they just bad at expressing themselves? His pride must be shattered after everything they had talked about earlier in the night, and how much they had both revealed to one another. If she hadn't liked him for who he was, he wondered how long she might have put up with him. Now it felt as though all are wrong. All those nights he had spent staring at her through the window, wondering if she knew what he wanted and if she was interested.

She shrugged slightly, wiping her hands across her eyes. It was ridiculous. There had to be something else that made her retreat. Was there a reason she wouldn't even kiss him? Perhaps there were other things she would rather do. He couldn't imagine wanting anything more than to make love with her; there was no one in Celene, besides her, who could satisfy his lust so perfectly. But why would she leave the city at all? It seemed wrong to waste her time here, when she could have such a magnificent life at home, surrounded by the people who loved her most. He had to know what made her want to stay here.

"I should go," he repeated, stepping toward her again. This time, her eyes locked onto his, and a small smile appeared on her face. Her fingers began to tremble, and she took another step forward. Evander grabbed her wrist, stopping her. He drew in a breath, trying to find the words he needed, but nothing came to mind. Instead, he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. She placed her hand over his heart, squeezing slightly. His hand went to her shoulder, and he leaned in close, smiling softly.

"Then stay," he said simply. "I don't care what you want."

Her eyes fluttered shut. Then she lowered her head, slowly sliding her arms around his neck. She drew in a deep, heavy breath as if to steady herself, and he marvelled at the way her breasts rose and fell. The sensation of her body pressed against his sent a sharp throbbing through his chest, and he stopped breathing, pressing his lips against hers. Her softness, her heat . . . He had never been more aware of a woman than at this moment. His need for her grew hotter the longer they stood there, the desire between them palpable.

He released Ivi, clasping both hands behind her back and holding her still, then pushed gently against her body, searching for the most delicate point at which to move. His tongue explored her mouth, tasting every inch of her, tracing every curve of her chin with his nose, sinking into her hair. He drank in her scent, intoxicated by it, inhaling deeply. The room was dimly lit, but he could make out every detail of her face, the way her eyes opened and closed on his, how her breath deepened when she spoke, and her expression of frustration when he wouldn't kiss her any longer.

She slid her hand down to the front of his trousers.