Chapter 6

Ibrush back a strand of hair from her face, my heart beating wildly as her brown eyes meet mine. A smile finds its way to my lips. "Thank you, Rey," I murmur, my heart beating faster in my chest. "Thank you for giving me a chance. I've arranged to be your guide while you're here. I want to give you the best experience possible… and make sure nothing else goes wrong."

Her eyes flicker down to her purple bikini and then back up to my bare chest. A blush creeps onto her cheeks, and her embarrassment is endearing. "So," she starts, leaning her head into the palm of my hand, "what's first on our agenda?"

Her trust and willingness to let me guide her is more than I could have asked for.

"We'll get you dressed first," I tell her, trying to keep my gaze steady. "Then, we'll head to the resort's hospital to get you checked out. After that, we can go to any restaurant you like."

She laughs, the sound like music to my ears. "Well, you need to let me go first," she teases, her eyes dancing with mirth.

The urge to pull her closer, to kiss her, to wrap all my tentacles around her, is strong. But I resist, pulling away and releasing her.

She climbs out of bed and I keep my eyes on her, ready to assist her if she shows any signs of weakness. Yet, she seems strong, resilient.

Just like her spirit.

My heart is filled with relief when I notice that Rey doesn't seem startled or uncomfortable waking up next to me. After carrying her to her villa, I couldn't bear to leave her side. I needed to be there to periodically check her oxygen levels throughout the night. I wanted to be there when she woke, to make sure she was all right. I hadn't intended to fall asleep, but the rhythmic cadence of her breath was just too soothing after a stressful afternoon.

The last thing I wanted was for her to think I had ulterior motives for staying. My concern for her wellbeing is genuine… even if I can't deny the pull I feel toward her. The desire to be closer.

The tenderness I feel for her is overwhelming, but I also know I must respect her space if she requests it.

As Rey moves around the room, selecting clothes, I watch her with fascination. She moved with a natural grace, every movement effortless. I admire the way her dark hair fell in gentle waves down her back, the way her eyes sparkled in the morning light.

My fated mate is a treasure, a masterpiece among humans.

When she moves toward the bathroom, she pauses at the doorway, glancing back at me with a curious expression. "What are you going to do now?" she asks, her voice soft.

"I'll check in with Svea to let her know you're okay, and tell her our plans," I answer, trying to keep my tone casual. "And then I'll check the weather forecast."

Her brow furrows. "And… you're going to just stay here while I get ready?"

I tilt my head, considering her question. "I could leave," I say slowly, "but I would worry something might happen to you. Unless, of course, you want me to go…"

I let the words hang in the air, ready to respect her decision, whatever it might be.

There's a strange tension in the room. I'm trying to respect her space and boundaries, but the instinct to protect her is strong. It's a delicate balance, one I'm trying desperately to maintain.

"I've never had a man wait for me… in my bed before," she admits, a small smile playing on her lips. The way her cheeks are slowly turning a darker shade of pink entices me. "It's nice… to know I'm desired."

My heart flutters at Rey's words, her shy admittance that she likes knowing she's desired. I am taken aback, pleased that she is enjoying my company. Her confession sets a fire inside me, and I find myself fighting the urge to pull her back into bed, to show her just how deeply my desire for her runs.

"Rey," I reply, my voice husky with the force of my feelings, "know this: I desire you more than you can possibly imagine. And if you'll allow it, I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know you, cherishing you. I'd even worship you if you let me."

She grins at my words, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of mischief and something deeper, something I dare to hope is the beginning of mutual affection.

"We'll see." She winks at me before slipping into the bathroom, the door shutting softly behind her.

Her teasing wink and the tantalizing promise of what might be to come sends a jolt of pure joy through me, and I chuckle deeply. The sound echoes around the empty room, a testament to the happiness brewing within me.

Shaking my head with a grin, I climb out of bed and search for the vidtablet that Sage had thoughtfully dropped off for me. I couldn't wait to share my good news. Rey was giving me a chance. We were giving us a chance. The thought of it fills me with a hope that I've never felt before.

I could tell that she was hesitant, perhaps even stressed, about the whole situation. I am not going to pressure her, only to push her away. But I won't stand by and let this opportunity to prove myself, and a future we can have, without proving to her that we were meant to be together.

I have six days to make her mine.

I find my vidtablet on a nearby table. Picking it up, I prepare to report to Svea and check the weather, my mind humming with thoughts of Rey, and the precious opportunity I have been granted.