***********

CHAPTER 217

​​

Xander's joy knew no bounds and so did hers. He took them high again and brought them down so close to the water surface.

Unlike the last time, Jade wasn't scared and left her eyes open all through the process.

"Hahaha hahaha… yeah… Whoooopiee!!"

He smiled and chuckled with her as he watched her enjoy herself.

"There, that's more like it. You love?"

"I love it. Thanks."

"Anytime dear." Taking a turn, he went at it again, but this time, he dipped a fraction of his wings into the water and glided for a short distance before moving up with full force, taking some water and splashing it up as he twirled them around in the air, creating the perfect romantic raindrop there was.

It felt like a dream to her but she was enjoying every moment she spent flying with him.

Her smile never dropped. All she did was staring lovingly into his eyes and await his next move but none came for a long time.

The chirping of the birds and the rustling of leaves as they danced to the rhythm of the cool morning breeze all seemed like a romantic tune nature decided to bless her with.

"Thanks."

"I love you," Xander confessed and paused. She knew he loved her and so did she but a part of her still was scared, just too scared to open up again, just not yet.

Her eyes fluttered in the morning breeze before dropping close sexily as a blush set in.

"I love you so much, Jade Frost, and with all of my heart dear. I love you."

"Thanks." Those were the only words she could let out, even though her heart itched to allow more than that. She wanted to scream out too that she loved him but she couldn't, not right now at least.

When she could love him again, then she would do more than just scream out his name like that.

"It is alright. I can settle for this for now but know this babe. I would keep on chasing after you and climb the highest mountain if I have to, just to be with you."

"Let's see how far you really can go."

"I always love a good challenge, especially when the price is something worth dying for." His gaze swept through her face in an instant immediately after saying that.

"Hmm, just take me for a ride, please. Let me fly away."

"As you wish, your highness. Hold on tight, 'cause we are going to the peak of peaks."

Like a rocket taking off, Jade had least expected that his kind could have such a speed but right before her very eyes, he did, going at a full speed into the sky.

Although she screamed it wasn't out of fear like the first time. This time it was out of jubilation and happiness.

***

By the time they finished with their flight tour, Xander carefully brought her to the ground on the wooden slab and sat down with her.

For minutes none of them spoke. They stayed there gazing into the depths of their soul through their eyes. Jade felt different somehow. She did miss him and wanted nothing more than to have him and be with him.

Slowly, he brought his hands up till he got to her face and gently caressed it. Her eyelids dropped closed as she began to bask in the feel of his palms.

Xander did not stop. He was lost in her and did not know what exactly he was doing. The only thing he knew right then and there was that he felt good and it felt right.

If he was not mistaken, he knew she loved it as well. Judging from the small humming sound she was making, he could tell she was basking in a sweet memory, one that he wished he could share with her.

Minutes passed, they remained in that position. The more time went, the more the need to have her enveloped him.

Soon he found himself bringing his face closer to hers. With every inch given, he wanted to take more than just a kiss from her.

He wanted to hug her, hold her. He wanted to kiss her neck, her face, every inch of it. A part of him wished he could take her.

He sniffed her unintentionally. Just the smell of her assaulting his nostrils was more than enough to make his mind go crazy.

'Dammit.' Xander screamed in his mind. This was not his intention when he came after her. He just wanted a morning stroll, but he found himself thinking of her and out of that thought, he managed to sense her presence.

Now he was with her. He made her smile and happy yet, he found himself craving her. The mate bond was ticking. It never left and it wanted more.

It was hard but he was determined to wait.

If not for anything but because he made her a promise once and even more, he did not want her thinking he just wanted her for the pleasure but because for the fact that he loved her and he cherished her as well.

He wanted her to be with him forever. He wanted her to know that she was more valuable than just pleasure. Her heart was what he wanted.

He wanted them to get back together more than anything.

Their breathing changed. Their heartbeats became erratic. He could feel the warmth emanating from her body and face as his breath brushed against her skin.

'Oh Jade, if only you know just how much… How much, I want you to love.' He thought again willing himself to pull back.

At that moment, Jade opened her eyes a fraction and their eyes met but she did not pull away. He could see it deep within his heart. He could tell just how much she wanted him as well but…

It wasn't right. Regardless, he continued, inch by inch. And just when their lips came very close to each other, he closed his eyes and pulled away, leaving her empty and longing for more.