章 220: Worth the wait

Two days went by simultaneously in a blur and far too slowly. Esme felt she had been there another week from the training and its effect on her body. Einar was an excellent teacher; even if his methods were harsh, she, of course, could take it. But when she stumbled up to ONYX once more, looking sleep deprived and possibly worse than when she left it a few days prior, Gabriel was in front of her in a flash, crushing her to him.

His hands softly caressed her face, and his endless crystal blue eyes wandered over her features in concern while she stared at him like it had been years since the last they saw each other. And when he pressed his lips against hers, it was the softest they'd ever kissed before. It was as though he was scared of hurting her. "I'm so sorry, amica mea. So sorry. I will explain-"

"Shh." Esme caressed his sharp jawline. "You do not need to."