Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
“Do you believe that? That death can be stopped by love?” She gazes up at me with her glowing, hopeful eyes, and this time the stirring isn’t in my pants, but my chest.
CHAPTER 10
ANGEL
Bjornsson is quiet for a long moment, thinking over my question. I too am curious what his answer might be. Then again, I’m always wondering what he might do or say next. I can’t get a read on the man.
One thing I know for sure is that he’s a deadly man. Even dressed as a priest. You can see it in his dark gaze that cuts straight to your soul. Thing is, Bjornsson is having a tough time seeing mine. It’s probably why he has a fascination with me. What other reason could there be?
“Neither can be stopped,” he finally answers. He’s right. We all have to die. That’s the way of life.
“I think you’re wrong.”
“Wrong?” He says the word as though it’s foreign to him.
“Partly.” A small laugh leaves me. “Not used to that?” I smirk up at him. “You’re right. Death is inevitable, but love goes on. For example, Laurel. She's the only person I can say that I’ve ever really loved. If she died, she might be gone, but my love for her would live on. I don’t think either can be stopped.”
“Some never love.”
“I pity them because I know what it’s like to have never loved a person.” Unfortunately, growing up the way I did, I experienced that lonely feeling for far too long. But Laurel changed all that for me.
“Your love for your friend may have led you to your own death.” I turn to face Bjornsson fully. The man really is taking in every word I utter and contemplating them.
“Maybe.” I force a smile. “But the world has been cold. Do you feel it, Bjornsson? Deep in your bones. This holiness that’s filled with that coldness. You don’t know how much it makes you ache and hurt. Until someone starts to replace the cold with warmth. It’s strange never knowing you needed something so badly until it was there in front of you.”
“And there lies your problem. You let someone get close enough to affect you. Without her, you’d still be unaware of that deep ache you hadn’t known was there.”
“Is that what you do, Bjornsson? You make sure no one can get close enough to make you long for more.” I take a step toward him. It’s almost comical when he retreats a step back from little me. This man that could kill me so easily, retreating in fear of me. Really? His reaction spurs me on further.
“Lust is the undoing of many of men. It’s wise to not let the temptation close.”
“Temptation?” I lick my lips. “Am I a temptation to you?” The thought of me being his undoing stirs something inside of me.
“You are many things, Angel.” He gives me one of his non-answers.
“Bjornsson, are you telling me that you’ve never partaken in lust?” He pulls at his collar like it’s suddenly too tight around his neck.
“I’ve been good to you, Angel. Have I not?”
“I suppose if I was going to be kidnapped, this place isn’t so bad.” His face remains serious.
“I find my idea of lust is quite different from others’. It’s best you not play that game with me. I can already see the wheels in your mind plotting it.”
“Me?” I put my hand to my chest, feigning innocence. “I’m a virgin. Not a seductress.”
“You’ve only proven my point more. Men want to claim. They enjoy ownership. You being a virgin makes you even more of a temptation.”
“I’m not so sure about that, Bjornsson. Is there some projection there? Some men want their women to be very well trained. Not a girl that would give an untrained sloppy blow job.”
“You enjoy testing me.” Somehow his eyes grow darker.
“I think you like me testing you. Why else are you always seeking me out?” I scoot over on the bench I sat down on. An unspoken welcome to him to take the seat next to me. To prove me right. He does. I actually thought he would once again bark an order of some kind and stomp away from the garden.
He doesn’t say anything. Only sits. I scoot closer so we are touching. The man tenses even more. It’s terrible how much I enjoy teasing him. If that’s what I’m doing. I turn to get on my knees to face him. He keeps looking out into the garden.
“Is it okay?” I reach for his hand. He doesn’t stop me. I can’t tell how bad the cut might be with the gauze wrapped around it.
“It was what I needed.” His response baffles me. “I would want to train her myself.” His confession is whispered. So low I barely hear it myself. I press my thighs together. A dull throb formed there. My desire for him is strange but unstoppable. Our attraction to one another can’t be denied.