“Correct.” I can see his sincerity.
*Sigh* “I don’t know you, but my past wasn’t a kind one. Being unexpectedly touched has a high success rate for triggering a former version of me. Mix this with being asked to remove my clothes…well, you can understand my hesitation.”
My leg shakes, and I find the ceiling more comforting to stare at. Inside this uni-pocket of my hoodie, I can’t contain the build of sweat over my palms nor the tears swelling in my eyes.
“Please, look at me.” An inviting suggestion, but if I do, these tears may fall, so I shake my head, no. “Okay, how about this.” He clears his throat. “You and I share a similar response to being touched. So much so, I’m forced to change my garments after the contact.”
So that’s what happened in Rebecca’s office. He changed his shirt in the hallway after I brushed against him. I knew I wasn’t losing my mind.
“Your past is yours to protect or divulge.” Alex continues. “I’ll never force it from you, despite me wanting to rip any and everyone who had a hand in hurting you, apart.”
Those words are like a gentle hand caressing my cheek and guiding my head down. And I see him through my blurring vision. “Thank you.” My voice is vacant, but he understands the sentiment.
“I touched you against your permission, regardless of my intent, removing you from a sound mind. It’s only fair you’re allowed the same opportunity.”
“Wait what? No, you don’t…”
“Nonsense.” He steps closer, leaving an arm’s length between us. Alex isn’t completely nude, but he might as well be. Those briefs do nothing to hide his blessing. Not to mention how his skin glistens beneath the light as though he moisturizes every minute.
“I-I can’t do that. I’m sorry.” I tumble my thumbs along my knuckles whilst shaking an anxious leg.
“Give me your hand.”
He reaches out, and for a second, I hesitate. Okay, maybe a few seconds, but Alex stands firm against his conviction. So I oblige, and my world turns on its axes from the graze of his fingers against my palms. Prickles of warmth spread like wildfire blazing through a dehydrated forest.
“Your pulse is elevated, matching mine. This is a bit intense. Here, feel it.” Taking a step closer, he maneuvers my hand against his chest. *Thud-thud* *Thud-thud* His heart is a quick and steady beat. “I’ll make you a deal–a verbal contract. Anytime you lose sense of who you are, a soul floating away, find me, and I’ll keep you grounded. We’re both battling our past of relentless demons. I could use some help.”
My lips part, but only a breath passes. Our pulses are in perfect sync, and a heat, much greater than I’ve experienced, ignites a fierce tornado within, knowing he offers me this, not for my aid, but to offer his. Exactly like Rosie.
“Why are you willing to do this for someone you barely know?”
“At this moment, I cannot say.” He releases my hand. “But, Kyra, I’ve known of you far longer than you of me.” And with that, I’ve gained a new grounding rod and a puzzle piece. Not knowing where it fits, it leaves me confused in more ways than one. “Are you ready to train? We’ll try another method, okay?” With the tears gone and clarity reinstated, I nod. “Good. Just watch me, then you go.”
Thank you, Rosie, for guiding him my way. You knew I needed this.
Retreating a few paces, he rotates a hand and mumbles what I think is Latin. He is engulfed by a voided sparkle, but it dissipates, and I cough and splutter.
No longer bare, he wears a pair of jeans, ripped at the knees, fitted tee, and combat boots—finished with a pair of fitted, leather gloves. All onyx. A polarity against his waxen skin tone, tinted by a light golden, maple hue.
His midnight hair is out of its confinedform, slung over both shoulders, framing those frost gray eyes and sharp cheekbones.Beautiful.
I’m left in disbelief. “Did you just create this?” I gesture up and down. “I thought I alone had creation magic?”
“Not created…summoned. This was already in my closet; I simply brought it here and exchanged it with my surrounding magic. Which was the reason for removing my clothes. It’s a bit hard to feel when I’m already wearing garments. Though, not impossible after practicing.” He rubs his hands down the front of his flawlessly fitted shirt.
No matter what he wears, this man is fine. Mix this with his lightless magic, him being understanding, patient, and attentive…well you have a ‘Black Mocktail.’ A drink known for its taste and mysterious nature. The hair and fit body–an added cherry.
“Can I summon things as well, or just create them?”
“That’s why we’re here, to figure out your magic, but it requires patience. For now, we’ll go at your pace, but make no mistake, if there’s an inkling of you holding back or not giving it your all, I will force you to go harder.” He squints at me in warning. Yeah, I think I’m in trouble.
“Fine, but can I do one clothing item at a time? I’m not comfortable with being fully exposed.” I shift my head down to avoid disappointment in those gorgeous silver eyes.
Alex draws near, and a mix of mint and bourbon flies into my lungs.
“Look at me.” His stern tone has my gaze shifting to his. “Never look down around me. Never shy from any decision you make, and above everything else, never apologize for what your heart tells you. Own it, and I’ll never question you, but turn from me again…” He leans forward, matching my height and lowering his voice. “And you will be punished.”
A few emotions ripple through my chest, enticing my pulse to rise.Feverish…Uplifted…Confidence…Kinetic.
