Shattered by Kailin Gow Page B

was warm in his strong hand and my heart did somersaults with too many emotions. A hint of guilt suddenly struck me. Being happy felt so wrong when so many people were going through such turmoil.
    “It’s selfish of me to be here, Torrid. That world is flawed, yes, and I should be there, taking part in the fight, helping the people I grew up with. I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be this happy. I shouldn’t be blissful y strol ing under a beautiful night sky.”

    He stopped and took both my hands in his.
    “You're wrong. I understand how you can believe you should remain in Arcadia, but you're wrong. This day, this night, it shouldn’t bring you guilt or shame.
    This is just a quick respite in an otherwise very difficult journey. Were we to only think of the fight, of the ugliness of war, we’d go mad. You need this time of joy… if only for one night. We al do.” He led me on and we strol ed past the gardens, through an apple orchard and past a meadow that glowed under the heavy moon. We reached a low stone wal and Torrid stopped suddenly and pul ed me into his arms.
    We were far from the palace, far from the noise and far from curious eyes. Being alone with him reminded me just how I’d longed to be with him again. Unable to resist, unable to wait any longer, I wrapped my hand around his neck and pul ed him to me, eager to taste him, to show him how I felt.
    Our lips col ided and the electricity that coursed between us confirmed just how right we were for one another. Fierce and commanding one moment, Torrid was quick to gain control and slow the pace. His lips softened and, when he brought his the pace. His lips softened and, when he brought his tongue to meet mine, a simpering groan escaped from my throat.
    “It’s been too long, Kama,” Torrid said hoarsely, his hands playing over my skin, running down my arms and back up to my shoulders. “I’ve thought of this moment, so many times. I questioned your feelings. I know of Liam and of the hopes you had for a Life's Plan with him. But I know you belong with me.”

Chapter 9

    The evening was magical, and on so many levels. The intimidating prospect of meeting Torrid’s parents, the excitement of the varied entertainment, and of course, the delectable dinner that had surely left five extra pounds on me.
    At the end of it al , however, it was my time with Torrid that that was the most magical of al . He brought out emotions in me that I didn’t know I had.
    He made me see things differently than I’d ever had, even making me see things I’d never noticed before. My senses were heightened with every added moment with him.
    “What are you smiling at?” Torrid asked as he guided me beyond the wal that surrounded the palace.
    T ^
    “The blue ones are my favorite,” Torrid said.
    “There’s something unearthly about their glow. It’s softer, more muted than the reds, yel ows and greens.”
    “But I don’t see any blue ones.”
    “I guess that’s part of what I like as wel .
    They’re rare. Funny how we always seem to cherish what is so few.”
    I looked at him, amused by his insight. “Al my life I’ve had a certain degree of security. My mother was always there for me. I had plenty of friends. I guess I was lucky; I was wel -liked.”
    “That’s not luck, dear Kama. It’s who you are. You attract affection with your kindness and good heart.”
    “Thanks. That’s sweet of you to say. Anyway, though al of that was important, I have to admit, somewhere I took it al for granted. No matter what, my mother was there at night when I went to bed. No matter what, I’d arrived at school and my friends would be there to greet me, to cheer for me.”
    “But something was missing?”
    I laughed softly. “You're always so perceptive.
    Yes. As much as I loved my mother and everyone in Arcadia, it was the thoughts, the dreams of my father that I cherished. I know a great deal of what I thought was pure fantasy. I didn’t know anything about him, so