Memory
Twigs and stones scraped the soles of my feet as I ran along the path, giggling to myself.
I just had to reach the clearing, and I’d win. But, just as the trees broke apart, revealing a garden filled with dandelions, an arm slid across my waist.
As my breath escaped my lungs, I was ripped to the side and tumbled into the grass against a hard chest.
“Got you,” he whispered, rolling me until my back pressed against the ground, and he hovered over me.
My stomach ached from laughter, and I couldn’t help but revel in the beauty that was Kaiden.
His tan skin all but glistened under the sun, his black hair wild and untamed from running.
I would never say it aloud, but he was more handsome than any of the gods I had seen.
Even the markings that painted his skin like a portrait seemed to elevate the unearthly beauty he practically emanated.
“My Lord,” I said breathlessly. “I believe you may have cheated.”
“Me? Cheat?” He leaned down, bringing his lips to my cheek, and grazed my skin ever so slightly. “Why on earth would I do that?”
Butterflies stormed in my stomach, fluttering relentlessly from his touch. “You know why,” I whispered.
I had promised him that if he caught me, I would let him kiss me. We had yet to kiss and, well, in truth, I had wanted him to win.
He trailed his lips across my cheek painfully slowly until they hovered just above mine. “May I collect my winnings then, my lady?” he teased, letting the static energy between us buzz until it felt like lightning dancing within the air.
“You may.”