Broken Dove (Fantasyland #4)(139)

He felt the burn release his chest when he saw that this time, it was hope.

He watched her eyes get bright before he saw her swallow and then she whispered, “Okay, then I think it’s a good idea to give Chris some time and then approach him if it doesn’t seem like he’s working it out on his own.”

His voice was again gentle when he said, “Then we’re agreed.”

She nodded.

Apollo lifted her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips against her knuckles. She watched him do this and he watched her eyes get soft when she did.

She lifted her gaze back to his and remarked, “You keep giving me things.”

He liked very much that she thought of him wishing her to be a part in his children’s lives in that way as him “giving her things.”

It was arguable, but he could have liked it more, the look of contentment and gratitude in her eyes at receiving it.

“I would endeavor to become accustomed to that, Madeleine, for I intend to continue doing it.”

Her eyes already warm, the skin around her mouth softened and she moved. Leaning in, she touched her lips to his and asked, “And what can I give you that you’d like to become accustomed to?”

He knew he had all of her that he could have. What he didn’t have, night by night, day by day, she was giving to him. He asked questions, she answered, giving him her life, the vile people in it and the knowledge of the fractures they’d made to her soul. And he hoped this knowledge would provide him with the information he needed to heal what was broken inside her.

But what he wanted most was her heart.

He knew she “pretty much” cherished him.

He wanted more.

With Maddie, he always wanted more.

But he had to win that before she gifted it to him.

And he would.

He released her hand, moved his to her neck and slid his fingers back and up into her hair before he bared his teeth and nipped her lower lip.

He felt her breath rush against his mouth with her excited sigh before he murmured, “What I’d like to become accustomed to is you giving me whatever you wish…just as long as you keep finding things to give for I never will lose interest in what you have to offer.”

He watched her eyes warm further as she placed her hands light on his chest before she slid them down in order to curl her fingers into his sweater.

“This would mean I’ll have to get creative so I don’t run out of things to give,” she replied.

“Are you capable of that?” he teased.

She held his eyes as she slid her nose along his and answered, “We’ll see.”

After she said her words, she pulled up his sweater.

He lifted his arms in order that she could yank it free.

She did, tossing it to the side and putting her hands to his chest to push him back to the bed.

He allowed this.

Then he allowed her to do other things.

And much later, he had proof that she was very capable.

Or additional proof as she’d proved it before.

Repeatedly.

* * * * *

“I like Finnie,” she whispered into his neck much later, after she’d cleaned herself of him, pulled on her nightgown and slid back into bed to curl into his side.

“I’m glad.”

“It’s nice having someone from home here.”

He squeezed her with the arm he had around her. “You are home, poppy.”

“You know what I mean,” she said sleepily, snuggling closer.

He did.

He still did not like her referring to the other world as home.

Home was a warm, safe place where you were always welcome. Where there was love and memories of laughter and happy times.

Home had never been that to her.

And her next words would strengthen this conclusion.

“I didn’t have any friends at home,” she told him, still drowsy, her body getting heavier against his side. “It feels good, finally having friends again.”

Apollo closed his eyes.

As much as he wished her secrets, as determined as he was to mine the depth in her eyes, to lighten the darkness she held there, the years of mistreatment at the hands of everyone close to her tore at his heart.

“She’s a bit crazy, though,” she murmured, now sounding half-asleep.

This made Apollo open his eyes and smile into the dark.

“That she is.”

“Crazy in a good way,” she explained, but he could barely hear her, her voice was so sleepy.

This earned her another squeeze. “Go to sleep, my dove.”

“Okay,” she mumbled and seconds later, he had all of her weighing into his side.

He tightened his arm, gathering her closer while he pulled the covers higher up her shoulder.

Apollo stared at the ceiling not thinking of dragons and conspirators, witches and prisoners, Derrik and what he might be up to, or what may be assailing his son’s thoughts.

No, he thought nothing of that and all about Maddie now having friends. Now understanding she had a say in the way he raised his children and how she clearly treasured that. Now having protection and kindness and care.

Now having a home.

And Apollo giving all of that to her.

Thus it did not take long before Apollo followed her into a deep, restful, dreamless sleep as if all was right with the world.