Free Amaranth by Rachael Wade Page A

surprised; I knew it would come to this, knew we
were meant to be together as though it was a physiological need. Only a few
short weeks ago Gavin felt familiar, but still new. Tonight, I was sure I’d
known him for years. As I stared into his sincere eyes, I saw the assurance of
his love for me, and a straightforward understanding free of useless, idle
talk, and above all else, complication. Something finally genuine. Exactly what
I had been waiting for.
    Now, here stood the beautiful light in my dark world,
verbalizing for the first time something we both already knew. Waiting. Hoping
that I would return his feelings.
    I finally breathed, giving him a smile to show him my
acceptance. “Of course I’ll wear it. I love you, too.”
    “I know it seems so soon.”
    “It doesn’t matter. You’re what I want.” I stepped toward
him and turned around, lifted the hair from the back of my neck so he could put
the necklace on me. He didn’t move. I turned my head to the side to peer at
him. “What’s wrong?”
    “You’re so sure of me,” he said. “I don’t know how I
possibly deserve you.”
    “Will you put the necklace on, already?”
    He stared at me for another second, then slid it around my
neck, closing the clasp. I turned around to look up at him, adjusted the locket
around my neck. “I want to be with you,” I said. “That’s all that matters. I
don’t care how long it has or hasn’t been. I know all I need to know about
you.”
    His face began to tense up, and I could tell he was
searching for his thoughts’ words.
    “I’m yours,” I said. “And I’m not afraid of this.” I
searched for his eyes again. “Period.”
    “I don’t even know what to say to that.”
    “Don’t think so much.” I moved my mouth to his and grazed
his cheek with my bandaged hand. I felt him flinch as he kissed me, his neck stiffening
with the movement. Suddenly clutching my wounded hand away from his cheek with
immense force, he flung an arm around my waist and hurled me backward, pinning
me up against the wall. I immediately felt Andrew’s violent hands on me, and I
fought to push them away. The heat from my cut pulsated, prompting me to cry
out in pain, “Gavin, that hurts. Stop! ”
    He jerked his eyes away from my face and stumbled backward,
releasing me from his iron grip. I remained against the wall, my hands turned
upward in a defensive position.
    “I’m so sorry. Are you all right?” He hung his head,
avoiding my eyes.
    I stood still, staring at him. “I ... I guess I am. What’s
wrong? Why did you--?”
    “I got carried away. I’m so sorry I hurt you, are you sure
you’re all right?” He pivoted his body sideways as he spoke, keeping his head
low and his eyes still far from mine.I could see the
anguish that seized his face. I was beyond confused. And alarmed.
    “I’m fine now,” I said. “But why won’t you look at me?”
    He didn’t answer.
    “Gavin? What’s wrong with
you?” I moved away from the wall to approach him, pulling his face to mine,
still baffled.
    “Don’t, Camille.” He pulled away from me.
    “Look at me,” I pleaded. “Why are you so upset? I said I’m
fine.” I stepped next to him to search his face, placing myself directly in
front of him so he couldn’t turn farther away from me. I reached for him again,
but stopped, my eyes glued on his. His normally soft chocolate eyes were now
deepest black, those vibrant, soul-baring windows suddenly ghostly, glassy. I
snapped my hand back from his face and rocked back on my heels, terrified.
    He turned his head away to glare down at the floor for a
second before he turned back to look at me.
    “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m just upset. I didn’t mean to be
so forceful with you when I know you’ve been ...”
    As he spoke, his eyes resumed their rich brown hue, and I
blinked, stunned at the change.
    “Never mind,” he mumbled, “let me look at your hand.” He
placed one cautious foot forward, as though careful