“I know,” I whispered. But he couldn’t make wrong choices if I wasn’t in his life.
The revelation cut into my heart like a dagger—so painfully that my breath caught. I had to leave him. I had to pack my things and get out of this monastery.
And Kingsley’s life.
Oh God, I can’t . . .
“Hey, breathe.” Kingsley gently turned me around and wrapped me into his strong arms. “It’s okay.”
I buried my face in his neck, his familiar scent enfolding me like a comforting blanket.I don’t want to leave you. How am I supposed to live without you?
“I want to show you something.” His chest rumbled as he spoke.
“What?”
“A place I haven’t shared with anyone.”
I wriggled out of his arms so I could look at him. “I’d like that.”
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “All right. Let’s go.”
Holding hands, we hiked through the field and woods until we reached Serenity Lake. The water stretched before us, the moonlight reflecting on the glassy surface like liquid silver. It couldn’t get any more romantic than this.
Kingsley slipped out of his sandals, then removed his belt and rosary. “Take off your shoes.”
I did as told.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Ready for wha—”
He hoisted me up and tossed me over his shoulder, eliciting a squeal from me. Thank God a strangled one, because although the monks staying in the main building were too far away to hear us, the worry of getting caught loomed like a shadow wherever we went.
Kingsley sprinted into the water, causing it to splash everywhere, including my face. Uncontrollable laughter shookme, and it took everything in me to stay quiet. Finally, he stopped and lowered me into the hip-deep water, his arms tightly wrapped around me. Pressing his lips to mine, he smothered my giggles.
I snaked my arms around the back of his neck and melted into him. This man was a blessing from God. Or maybe a punishment. Whatever he was, this was our last night—I would sear every second of it into my memory.
Kingsley broke off, resting his forehead against mine. “I wish I could put into words how much you mean to me, Sweetheart.”
Warmth spread from my chest into my limbs and all the way to my fingertips and toes. There was so much I wanted to say, but emotion clogged my throat.
Kingsley claimed my lips again, so much passion in his kiss that my head swirled. “Let me show you why we’re here.” He thumbed over his shoulder. “Hop on.”
Excitement bubbling in my stomach, I climbed on his back. I loved surprises.
“Whatever happens, don’t let go.” He lowered us into the water.
Cold swept over my stomach, then chest, causing me to gasp. “It’s f-frigid.”
“Nothing compared to winter.” He started swimming, his strong, hard strokes quickly bringing us to the middle of the lake, then the other side to a rocky cliff in the green mountains. “Hold your breath.”
I inhaled deeply, and Kingsley submerged with me still on his back. Darkness swallowed us. I clung to him as he dove with powerful strokes. How did he even know where he was going?
My lungs started to burn, and just when I thought I couldn’t hold my breath any longer, we broke through the surface. I gulped air. Blinked against the water running into my eyes. “Ifyou want to break up with me, you can just tell me rather than drown me.”
Kingsley’s chuckle echoed in the dark space. “Where’s the fun in that?”
“Do you need a reminder that I’m behind you and can easily put you in a choke hold?”
