Free A Thief's Treasure by Elena Miller Page A

you’ve realized that you do care about them and don’t want anyone to hurt them ever,” I replied.
     
    Darren looked at me for a moment like I had three eyes.   “Wait it’s that easy?   And the person won’t run away from me?” he asked.
     
    “I’m sure this person won’t.   If they care about you as well, then who knows maybe they’ll realize it too.   Love is weird like that.   I’m no expert, but I have watched a lot of my friends go through the same thing.”
     
    He moved his body around and stood up.   He pulled me up as well so we were facing one another.   There was a peaceful silence between us and I couldn’t help but get lost in the lovely pools of blue his eyes donned.   After a moment he spoke and the words that came out almost sent me in a tizzy.
     
    “Listen…Alyssa…I’m sorry for being a dick to you at first when we met in the old place.   I was being young and selfish and I thought you were just another easy girl that I could sleep with, have fun for a while with, and then either you would walk away or I would throw you out.   It turned out you weren’t like that, not like the other stupid alchemists we’ve had to take in.   You’re something special and I came to realize it when the attack happened.   I knew you were the one and you were nothing like these other sluts who just wanted me for a great time and because I had a nice body.   My parents initially loved you and they told me to give you a chance and not to scare you off.   I listened to them and now that I’ve done it I realized that they were completely right.   I had found something different, and this difference was key to not only my happiness, but my whole demeanor as well.   What I honestly am trying to say with a crapload of words is….I love you Alyssa.   I always have and it took me a long-ass time to finally realize it but dammnit I knew it was the truth.   I was blinding myself and trying to act all young and flirtatiously to get your attention but I realized soon that that wasn’t what you wanted.   You wanted a knight in shining armor along with a caring friend and I would be happy to be that for you now Alyssa.   So I’m sorry about everything and I hope this confession isn’t too damn cheesy that it makes me look like a loser, but I just wanted to clear the air on everything,” he admitted.
     
    Needless to say I was beyond shocked.   How in the world did this man fall in love with me?   I didn’t understand.   I knew I had to speak though so I just said what was on my mind.   “I love you too.   But why did you fall for me?   I’m nothing like these other girls who would probably be more than willing to show you a great time.   I don’t understand,” I replied.
     
    His hands wrapped around me and I melted into the lovely scent that he exuded. He really did care for me, and the thought of that brought tears to my eyes.   “It’s because you’re different then all of them.   You’re pretty, smart, accepting, strong, and most importantly you don’t want me as just a sex object like the other girls.   You wanted me as a friend, and that’s the one thing in this world I’ve been lacking.”
     
    I hugged him even tighter, tears cascading down my face despite the fact that I was happy as a clam.   “I love you too Darren.   I have for a while as well, after the trip to Egypt I started to have feelings for you.   That you weren’t just some pervert, you actually were a man who cared about me and wanted to make sure I was the happiest girl alive.   I couldn’t thank you enough Darren, you really did care and you’ve been at my side from the start.   I’m happy you kidnapped me, because not only do you have me now on your side but you also have my heart,” I replied.
     
    He pulled my face up and his was inches from mine.   Moment by moment they got close until they touched, sparks flying through me as our lips touched each other’s in a chaste kiss.