Gemini (36 page)

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My Firstborns
—Without your love, patience, and craziness, your Chayah never would have published this book. Let this be proof that if you work hard and never give up, your dreams can come true. Keep dreaming, singing, creating, writing, and playing. I love you all—for Eternity.

My Virtual BFF
—KC Comarda, for your texts that keep me LMAO, for having my back when no one else does, and for letting me vent or just making me laugh when all I want to do was cry. You literally got me through the year it took to finally publish this, or anything for that matter. I’m Eternally grateful, my friend. Thank you.

My Chayah
—It’s been a TOUGH year, but you got me through it. Thank you. Love you, always.

My Beta readers
— Without your encouragement and advice, my ‘shitty first draft’ never would’ve become my shiny #BookBaby Indie debut. Much #BetaLove to PK Hrezo, Lorna Richmond, Georgeann Swiger, Heather Brandt, Carmen Fox, Shawnnah Cox, Molli Moran, Sanne Heremans, Lindsey Lewis, my first publisher rejection (EP), and last but NOT least, my very own Firstborn Daughter. I love you, baby D!

My FB Friends and Writerly Yodas
—You all helped me get this INDIE journey started. Thank you! Much #AuthorLove to Becca Moree, Nancy Colbert Hardy, Kara Leigh Miller, Crystal Swann Sexton, Jennifer Grey, Devanie Angel, Stina Lindenblatt, ST Bende, Diana Peterfreund, Stephanie J. Pajonas, and the former NA Alley, who all got me here today.

My Former Students
—For listening to my book ideas and being as excited about this as I was: India Dickerson, FHS Yearbook Clan, and MHS for giving me time to write this first draft.

My Eve
—Wendy Zajac, may you rest Eternally with the music gods.

Zoe

“We live here?” My jaw literally popped open. “Wow.”

Cade laughed at me as we strolled up the path that led to our Eternal home.

“No, seriously. What could two people do with all this?” I asked.

The grounds encompassing the ginormous mansion went on forever.

Despite the darkness surrounding us, I could see for miles. The intimidating stone structure stood majestic, surrounded by the lake, a meadow, and a bit further, the garden. The scent of peonies in bloom breezed through the air.

“It’s vast. But you prefer your space. It’s how you designed it.”

“I did this?”

“Yes.” He tugged me closer. “In time, you’ll recall why.”

“If you say so.”

I was no architectural guru, but the mansion was something like an English fortress, Tudor, I think it’s called? But modern.

Cade opened the double doors and led me inside. He took my hand, and we walked through a barren foyer and down a hall that led into an even larger foyer.

The ceilings went on forever. Vaulted. Cold.

Nothing sparked any memory about this place.

We reached a spiral staircase, and lights flipped on by themselves throughout the room.

“Motion sensors?” I startled at the echo as my voice bounced between the walls.

“Modern conveniences.”

“So, what’s down here? Nothing? It doesn’t seem familiar.”

“The lower level is for meetings, occasionally entertaining. Our living quarters are up these stairs.” He ushered me ahead of him.

That would explain the lack of memories, and why it felt as if we were intruding on some stranger’s home.

I let out a sigh as I worked my way up the stairs and reached the top.

Lights danced across the ceiling, bringing a new, decorated space to life.

My life.

This. Was home.

The ceilings were shallow, but still vaulted, as if we were on a lower level. Warm colors glazed the walls, and inviting décor surrounded the space. It was a tad outdated, going back twenty years or so, but would’ve been modern in the 90s. Needed a makeover for sure, but still something I could work with. I wondered what lifetime each decorative piece belonged to.

As my gaze scanned the room, my breath caught at the sight of the pure white piano calling me from across the room. My piano, from Cade’s apartment back in Chicago. It really was mine.

Didn’t matter.

I blew out a harsh breath.

I was done with that. With music. I’d given it up the second I chose Cade and this life. Playing would only bring back memories, ones I needed to forget if I was going to move on with my life. A fresh start here with my Gemini.

Cade stepped up behind me, scaled my arms with his hands and covered mine with his. He bent down and kissed my neck gently. Whispered into my ear.

“I’ve missed you, love.” He laced his hand with mine. “Come. As you said earlier, it has been a long year for you. It’s time I put you to bed.”

Butterflies flooded in my belly at his loaded words.

The good kind.

Cade wasted no time, and led me to another room.

A bedroom. Soft. Feminine. Zoe 1.0 must’ve designed it too.

The bed was ginormous. I didn’t know they made them bigger than a king.

French doors stood open across the room, leading to a balcony. A light breeze brushed across my cheeks.

I let go of his hand and strolled out the doors.

Even shrouded in darkness, Aravot was like something out of a fairytale. The balcony overlooked what I assumed to be the Chayah Fountain, though it was too dark to know for sure.

I sucked in a breath, the scent of the peonies from the garden filtered into my lungs.

Cade padded behind me. His fingertips brushed across my arms and wrapped around my waist.

I leaned back into his chest, and his heartbeat raced, forcing mine to catch up.

This synched hearts thing was going to be hard to get used to.

“I don’t know about you, love. But I would very much like a bath. I’ve been lying on a dungeon floor for many months.” He nuzzled into my hair. “And I’m sure you would not mind getting out of these binding clothes.”

I stared down blankly at my shirt, blood plastered across my chest. Memories of killing Lilith flooded my head.

I killed her.

A knot tightened in my chest, and my breaths became staggered and short.

Stop.
I closed my eyes to free my mind of everything. Slowed my breathing to release the memories.

Cade had waited twenty-one years to get me back, and I wasn’t about to let anything ruin what was supposed to be the best night of our life.

His gentle touch moved across my arms, stealing my thoughts. His lips brushed against my neck. Warm air puffed into my ear.

“Chayah.”

My name resonated through his chest, his voice like silk. Low. Sensual.

“How I’ve missed you.”

He left soft kisses to my neck, sending goose bumps racing through to my belly.

My pulse sped up, and my body shook.

This was really happening.

“Come.” He took my hand and led me to an adjoining bathroom. It was as big as my apartment back in Chicago. A huge Jacuzzi tub stood in the corner.

Cade set up the tub, while I leaned against the wall to keep my knees from giving out.

“Are you feeling all right?” He skimmed his hand across my cheek. “You’re pale.”

I couldn’t get out any words.

“Chayah.” He brushed my hair over my shoulders and cupped my cheeks. “Don’t be nervous. I won’t rush you. We have Eternity, love. When you’re ready…”

“Oh, I’m ready.” I mumbled a bit louder than I meant to. My eyes grew wide, and I pressed my lips together.

Cade chuckled. “There you are.” He gazed seductively.

“So, is there like, a time limit for us to, um.” I swallowed. “You know.”

“No. The ceremony has begun the Convergence, and it cannot be broken. We must merge physically, but we have as long as you need.” He tilted my chin, staring into my soul. “You have spent the past three months worrying about me. Tonight is about you, Chayah. Let me take care of you.”

The knot in my chest loosened. I was electrified. Tingling. Nervous energy pushed through every nerve of my body, this new body I recently inherited.

For the first time in my life, I trusted someone completely. Trusted Cade with my heart. With my body, and with my soul.

I was ready to give myself to him, in every way a girl could.

His eyes burned into me. His breathing became heavy, and the aura surrounding him came to life. He moved the hair from my face as it stuck to the tiny flecks of sweat brimming on my forehead.

“This may sound weird, since the night hasn’t really started, but—” I blew out a nervous breath. “I don’t want it to end.”

The corners of his lips curved up, and his gaze became heated. Craving.

“For now, my love, it is still night. And night, it will remain as long as you wish.”

He tilted my chin. Dropped a light kiss onto my lips, then pulled back.

I missed him already.

“Tonight is ours, love.”

His lips parted slightly as he leaned closer, running his thumb across my bottom lip.

“And as I said before. For this night—time stands still.”