The first to snap out of it was Gideon. He was about to rise when Vera suddenly lunged forward and clung onto him. Her large eyes twinkled as they were still moistened from her earlier thoughts.
But that look in her eyes only made Gideon freeze for a moment. He placed his palm over her forehead and when he felt that her temperature was no longer burning like the previous day, he sighed in relief. Somehow, he could not believe it. He was certain that his sly little sister-in-law was making a fool out of him. Or perhaps she was just joking around with him. Yet her suggestion had actually worked? What kind of sorcery was this?
Gideon then placed his hand over hers that was clinging onto him. "Let go now," he said but Vera did not loosen her grip on him.
"Uhm… Just a bit more… can you stay with me like this for a little while longer? Please?" she pleaded, causing Gideon to look at her, blinking. "It's…" her eyes wandered and stopped at the window. "It's still night."
"Not anymore. Our sun here are those crystals up there. When those crystals light up, it means it is already day." He replied hastily.
"But. Still, can we –" Vera tried to plead her case.
"No."
"Just a moment. Umm… until the count of ten. Please?" she begged him with those large dewy eyes.
He creased his brows. "Don't tell me this is another process of human healing."
Vera blinked, not understanding what he meant. But she took advantage of that statement he just threw out and nodded frantically. Gideon let himself fall back on the bed and his arms wrapped around her to hug her, his expression dark and stony. "Fine. In ten counts."
Her eyes gleamed and the corner of her lips curved up ever so slightly as she delightedly hugged him back, taking the full opportunity to enjoy this short time that would never again come in her lifetime.
"Start counting now," his impatient voice echoed out above her head.
"Ten thousand and one…" Vera started, snuggling closer to him. When she settled in the spot that she felt most comfortable in, she quietly revelled in his arms again, listening to his heartbeats, feeling his warmth.
"Nine thousand and one…" she whispered after a long while and she felt him draw in a sharp breath.
"Your counting's too slow." He complained.
"But that's how you're supposed to count." Vera looked up and blinked innocently at Gideon.
"If you think I'm –"
"I'm not trying to take advantage of you, believe me." She cut him off and he was utterly speechless until she finally reached number two after what felt like hours.
When he did not hear number one being called out even after a long while, Gideon's patience seemed to have run out and he grabbed her hand to pull it off him.
"You agreed it'll be up to ten counts." Vera protested though knowing that she had purposely counted down ever so slowly and left the last number hanging.
"Ten counts were over long ago." Gideon growled out low.
"Not yet. I haven't counted out the last number yet." Vera stubbornly insisted, a small pout on her lips.
Gideon pinched the skin between his brows. How did he end up in this situation again? He bit down on his lower lip then released it slowly. After that, his blue eyes gleamed dangerously.
"Let me go or I won't be responsible for what will happen next." His deep voice echoed coldly. That was a warning, and Vera could tell that he was serious about it. But… if she did let go of him now, would this opportunity come again? After this, would he give her to Azrael since… since that man was the one who was the one who initially wanted to take her in as his bed warmer?
From his reaction and the tone of his voice, Vera could clearly tell that he was unhappy. It made her throat hurt a little even though she had already anticipated this. If she lets go of him now, would she be able to hug him again, or be with him again? Her mind told her, the answer was definitely no. It was already obvious as he could not wait to leave the bed already.
"I'm telling you nicely for the last time, let go of me." He said and she felt that it was his final warning. But somehow, Vera still could not make herself let him go. What was he going to do to her next?
Despite his aura being a little dark right now, she just did not believe that he would be willing to hurt her. Then what… she swallowed.
"What… what are you going to do to me next?" she asked bravely, meeting his gaze. "Are you going to… kiss me next?"
He blinked then the corner of his mouth lifted into a disbelieving smile. He shook his head slowly then his gaze became wicked.
"Oh… not just that, more than that, much… much… more than that. If you're a wise girl, listen to me now and save yourself." He played along with her.
"Will this… much, much more… hurts?"
Gideon's smile faded and his mouth dropped. The hesitation and slight flash of fear in her eyes gave him pause.
Then he did not know what had gotten into him at the sight of that look in her eyes and his voice suddenly softened. He lifted his hand and touched her face with the backs of his fingers.
"Oh no, little red. It won't hurt you… I'll make sure of that." His voice became hoarse as he said that last line. He snapped out of his daze and secretly gritted his teeth afterwards, asking himself what the hell had he just said to the lady.
"Then it's fine if you won't be responsible. All I want is to stay with you for a little while longer," after saying that the smile she threw at him was so dazzling that Gideon stilled.
Vera had already decided. This man, she wanted him. She wanted to be with him even for a short while. Not with Azrael or anyone else. If he was a living warning then he would be the kind she would love to ignore even if that decision would bring her to her demise. She would not mind. Because she had already been shattered into pieces. She had long since given up with life. There was no hope left inside her, until he appeared before her. He was her newfound hope and this time she was not going to play it safe. It was all just so she could hold onto it. She had played as safely as she could before, hoping that she would not get hurt, but she still suffered again and again for so much until she was broken to pieces. She would now gamble again for the very last time, and this time, recklessly.
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Dear spellbounders, i just want to say thank you to all of you who are zealously voting for this book. Thank you so much for the generous gifts as well. We didn't reach our goal this month but please know I am still thankful for your love and supports.
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Love, kazzen