Dreamwalker's Bride - Chapter 383

Chapter 383: Invisible
Ford’s heart was still racing from the presence of the beasts that had loomed over the pair. He’d held Mia in place, terrified that she would get some wild idea about running away into her head, and he would lose track of her.

When the birds had finally left, he kept them invisible, fearing the avians’ return, and helped Mia to her feet. With just the two of them, his magic could last much longer. Not quite indefinite, but long enough for them to walk safely back to the rest of the group, certainly.

He started to turn to do just that when Mia swayed.

Alarmed, he pulled her against him and evaluated what to do next. His initial impulse was to turn them visible so he could check her for injuries, ask her if she was all right!

The birds had come very close several times; perhaps he’d missed a moment where a talon or beak had slipped past his guard and hurt her. Or maybe in pushing her to the ground he’d caused her to twist her ankle or hit a sharp rock!

Guilt and shame rolled through him, and he almost picked her up to carry her off to safety, but she leaned into him in a way that suggested that she was merely tired, or scared, and not terribly injured.

She would signal him somehow if she needed immediate aid, wouldn’t she? He thought so, but perhaps that wasn’t within her capability!

When she nuzzled her face into his shoulder, just where his neck met his chest, his thoughts skidded in a very different direction.

A very different one, indeed.

He couldn’t see her face, had no real idea how to tell what she was thinking, other than the way she leaned against him. Which was… contented. She was clearly in no hurry to pull away, and now, neither was he.

The potential danger around them had already set his heart thudding, but now it beat for Mia. He swallowed, tracing one arm up her back to cradle her face against his shoulder when she shivered from the cold.

They should get back, out of the direct wind, for her sake.

But she lifted her head, pressing her cheek into his hand. She must not realize just how close this brought their faces, but he knew. He could feel her breath fanning his cheek.

Almost of its own volition, his thumb moved, tracing down to find the gentle curve of her lower lip, brushing against it with a deep curiosity.

He’d often wondered idly to himself if her lips could possibly be as soft and perfect as they seemed. With the arm still around her back, he could feel her tense, and he wondered if he’d gone too far.

Then, her lips firmed slightly under his thumb, pressing against it before relaxing again. A kiss?

He was sure that were he not cloaked with his magic, his heart would have been audibly thundering for anyone to hear.

Before he could think better of it, he moved his thumb aside, replacing it with his lips. His fingers slipped to the back of her head, fitting themselves into her silky tresses. He couldn’t see her, couldn’t hear her.

Would she shove him away?

A warm pressure crept up each side of his chest–her hands. They explored upward until they met at the back of his neck, pulling.

Not pushing.

Her mouth moved against his, and he responded in kind. Her lips were sweet, and yielding. It was better–far better–that they couldn’t speak right now, because he had no words. None at all.

His world changed in that moment. He’d told Grandpa before that he couldn’t see himself planning a life without Mia in it–now, he didn’t want to plan a single second without her.

Mia pressed closer to him, and he exulted in the knowledge that she must feel at least a semblance of what he felt for her.

Ford became lightheaded, but he didn’t want to give up the sensation of her velvety lips against his. He finally broke away, utterly dazed and gulping down the cold air.

His hand against her back let him know that her breathing was every bit as labored as his, and he squeezed his eyes shut.

Had he acted poorly? This didn’t exactly fall under the respectful and polite conduct that Grandpa and Seth had counseled. Ford couldn’t even see Mia’s face, see her pure and honest reaction to his kiss.

Dropping his magic was too risky here, and by the time he got her to a safer place, she would have moments to compose herself, present whatever face she thought he might want to see… but it would give him the same opportunity.

Would she respond the same way when looking into his eyes? Did the invisible sensation of a man’s embrace hold more intrigue for her than the Foundrel orphan he was?

He stepped back slightly, sliding his hand to find hers so that he wouldn’t lose track of her. If only he could see what she looked like! Hear what she had to say!

Hurrying back towards the others, he kept Mia’s hand in his. He was a storm of elation, anxiety, and anticipation.

Ford really needed to talk to her!

He nearly tripped when he realized that by the time he felt they were safe enough to drop his magic, they would be in sight of her family.

A sudden pull on his arm startled him as Mia moved in a different direction, coaxing him to come along with her. He blinked and let her lead him hurriedly to a narrow cleft in the mountainside, behind a boulder.

Ford’s eyes widened. A perfectly hidden, private space just barely large enough for the two of them so squeeze in. Safely ensconced in the alcove, Ford knew there was one primary reason Mia would lead him here.

Mia tugged several times on his hand, and, anxiety building in his belly, he let his magic fall away.