Page 68 of Dark Awakening: Hidden Currents

Or was it something else?

Was it about Edgar and her not telling him about their relationship?

When they entered the elevator, the tension that had been building ever since he'd refused to talk in front of Morelle intensified, hanging in the air between them like storm clouds. Any moment now, lightning would strike, and the thunder would shake the cabin.

She stole a glance at Ell-rom, noting the furrow in his brow and the thin line of his mouth. Whatever was troubling him was not something trivial.

This wasn't going to be a little tropical storm.

Jasmine braced for a hurricane.

As they stepped into the penthouse, she forced herself to remain patient but managed to keep her mouth shut only until they were alone in their bedroom.

"Talk to me, Ell-rom. What's bothering you?"

He took a deep breath. "I'm afraid."

That wasn't what she had expected. "Afraid of what? Afraid for Morelle?"

"I'm afraid that I can't be what you need. I can't induce your transition." He lowered his head. "I can't even give you the pleasure of a venom bite." The words left his mouth in a near whisper.

Her heart aching for him, she stepped closer and cupped his face in her hands. "Oh, sweetheart. You have nothing to worry about. It's just a matter of time until you are ready, and I have all the patience in the world. You are the one for me. I love you."

As the words hung in the air between them, Jasmine realized that it was the first time she'd said them out loud.

It was long overdue.

Her love for Ell-rom had manifested in a thousand different ways, and she had demonstrated her feelings with her actions, but until now, she had been too chicken to say those three words.

Ell-rom's eyes widened, wonder and joy spreading across his face. "Did you just say that you love me?"

She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "I loved you even before I met you, and while getting to know you, I've been falling ever more in love with you."

"I feel the same," he breathed. "My Jasmine. My sweet angel. I love you so much."

Their lips met in a kiss that started tender and then turned passionate, a physical affirmation of the words they'd just exchanged, and when they pulled apart, Jasmine was breathless, and Ell-rom was smiling.

"I love you," she said again, reveling in the freedom to say the words.

"And I love you." Ell-rom's grin was bright like the sun.

They kissed again, and Jasmine felt a warmth spreading through her body. It was such an uplifting moment, and she didn't want to spoil it by pushing Ell-rom into intimacy. And yet, she had a feeling that he needed her to push, or he would never get over his aversion.

The trick was to do it gently.

"How about we take a bath together?" she suggested, keeping her voice light and inviting. "Just to relax and be close to each other. Nothing more."

To her dismay, Ell-rom's expression clouded, and a flicker of reluctance passed over his features. "I would love to, but I have to find out a few more things first to quiet the mind. Otherwise, I won't be able to concentrate on just being with you and enjoying myself."

Her stomach started churning again. "What do you want to know?"

Ell-rom hesitated for a moment. "I don't know anything about Earth's family structures, and I don't remember Kra-ell customs. Are immortals monogamous? Are humans? Do they mate for life or only until they produce offspring? Are there people who choose to remain celibate, and if so, why?"

Where had those questions come from, and why was it urgent for him to find out the answers now?

Was Ell-rom attracted to another woman and wanted to find out if he could have her in addition to Jasmine?

It sounded ludicrous even inside her head, especially after his declaration of love for her, and she really couldn't understand where it had come from.