Legend of the Inero Dragon by JF Jenkins

hard to read sometimes,
especially when it came to his emotions. She had almost said
something last night when they were finally together, but she held
it in. The passion they shared was a much better way to communicate
than words.
    She said it in search of reassurance, which
may have been unfair. She needed the words too. It felt like a good
time to verbalize her feelings, but he was too quiet. It made her
nervous. The quiet lasted too long. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Did he not feel the same way?
    I'm done. See? Short, just
like I said. When she didn't reply right
away, he spoke again. Kat?
    I'm here.
    Is something wrong? You're quiet. It's not
like you.
    I'm fine. Maybe he just didn't hear it?
    What do you mean I didn't
hear? I didn't hear what? Kat, what's going on? he asked.
    She hadn't meant for him to know everything
she was thinking. She didn't even know what he could hear when it
came to her thoughts. Half of the time she heard him, she couldn't
tell if he was talking to her, Jason, or just thinking.
    Does everything I think get
sent to you? she asked.
    Just about. It's not as easy
when I'm talking with other people vocally, so I might miss a few
things. Jason is better at it than me. Then again, I'm the only one
who's inside of his head. I can teach you how to filter things
better . It takes some practice, but it's possible. I'm sure you
don't want me knowing everything going on inside of your
head. He paused. So
what did I not hear?
    I'll tell you when you get back.
    The handle to the door turned, then he stood
in the doorway. "It's good I came when I did. I wouldn't want you
to forget."
    She scowled because she'd been hoping for
more time to prepare. "I guess so."
    "So what did you say?"
    "I…."
    "You?"
    "I love you," she said, rushing through the
words, wanting nothing more than to disappear after they came
out.
    A small smile formed on his lips. "I'm so
glad you said it first because I was scared to."
    "Isn't it one of your manly duties to be
first?" she teased.
    "I suppose so. I was worried you wouldn't
feel the same way."
    "Funny, that's what I was thinking too. Most
of the women haven't mentioned love here when talking about their
husbands. I didn't know if it was normal to feel this way and I
didn't want to push you. I feel it, though, and I have for a
while," she said, blushing, not wanting to admit it had been since
practically first sight.
    That's cute. He kissed her forehead. "I have as well. They
don't talk about love because it's not a common emotion. It does
happen. It's possible. I'm so grateful we have it because I don't
ever want to lose you."
    "Nothing could keep me from you Matt."
    He kissed her again. "Some day I'll explain
to you how fragile love is here. For now, please let me show you
how much I do feel for you. And how sorry I am for displeasing
you."
    You don't have to explain. I
already know. She kissed him with more
passion than before. "Our love is far from fragile, so just focus
on us and not on everyone else."
    "Yes dear," he said, laying her down on the
bed.

Chapter Thirteen
     
    A picnic with one of the wives didn't sound
like a good time to Gwen, but it did get her out of going to the
pool with the masses. She'd only been there for three days and
already they all irritated her. Jason had insisted the picnic would
be a good idea. She was tired of staying home. The pool and home
were the only two places she'd seen. Fresh air sounded lovely.
    "This is Navi," Jason said with a sweeping
gesture. His eyes showed nothing but admiration as they practically
lit up at the sight of her. Then, as an afterthought, he did a
slight wave at a tall, blue-eyed man behind her. "Oh, and her
bodyguard, Chris."
    He had brought Gwen to the castle grounds,
though they never entered the building. As far as she was
concerned, she never wanted to step foot inside it ever again. It
creeped her out. Something about it didn't feel right to her. She
couldn't quite place a finger on why.
    Instead, they had