Harmony by Sonya Bria Read Free Book Online

was—the rooms from my dreams! It didn’t feel strange or awkward being here, but comfortable. It was like coming home after a long time away. My eyes were drawn to his chair and the walls of books. “I don’t know why you love that chair.” Ian mused, shaking his head. I laughed. “Look at all these books! Have you read them all? I could spend forever here reading…” I stopped. Ian was distant again. “Of course you’ve read them all. Sorry.”
           “Don’t apologize,” Ian said, coming up behind me and resting his chin on my head. “I mainly hold on to them for you. I know how you love your books.”
           “Is it that obvious that I’m a book worm?”
           Ian laughed, “Sometimes I do feel a bit neglected…”
           “Somehow I doubt that has ever been a problem for you.” I said in mock disbelief.
           “Wow, that hurts…just preparing for all the late night study sessions when you head off to college.” He said.
           Yeah about that…I guess I really need to pick a school, don’t I?
           Ian remained silent. Ok more cryptic, awkward silence which indicated that we needed a subject change. So turning into his embrace, I teasingly said, “So, what is this place? Is this where you live when you’re not stalking Gram’s house?”
           “Yes,” Ian affirmed, rolling his eyes. “This is where I’ve lived the last ten years or so.”
           “Only that long?” I asked surprised.
           “I’ve been around awhile. I have other places when I am out and about…traveling,” Ian simply said.
           “Hold that thought. I need to ahh, is there a...do you use…”
           Ian laughed at my awkwardness. Pushing me in the right direction, he said, “The bathroom is down the hall, and yes, I have been known to use it occasionally!”
           How stupid of me! Of course there had to be some human habits that he still clung to if for no other reason than sheer habit. Like eating. Did he eat food? I wasn’t really sure. We needed to have a serious talk about his vampirism do’s and don’ts.  “Ian?” I shouted out wandering down the hall.
           “I’m in the kitchen,” he yelled back.
           What are you doing? I peeked into his mind.
           I’m making you lunch. I want to show you something.
           We flipped back and forth between talking and reading thoughts so often that I was sure if someone were watching, it would be quite confusing.
           I headed into the kitchen. “Are we going on a picnic?” I asked, surveying all the food.
           “Is that okay?”
           “Anywhere with you is fine. You should know that by now,” I said, kissing his cheek.
           “Sophie, I wish you wouldn’t say that.”
           “Ian, you promised,” I began. “Don’t shut me out. Let’s just see where this leads us,” I said.
           Ian resigned, “I know I agreed—it’s hard not to give into you—but you should never let your guard down with me,” Ian warned.
           I felt my cheeks burn. “Ian, look at me. I know you’d never intentionally hurt me. You haven’t so far.” We left it at that. “Come on before it gets too dark.” I grabbed his hand, and we headed out into the forest. I didn’t mind the silence. I never felt pressured to keep a conversation going. We had a clear understanding of one another that took most years to acquire. I was always amazed at how easy it was to be myself with him.
           “What are you thinking about?” I asked after a few moments of silence. Ian was currently very pensive, and sometimes I found it hard to read his emotions. It was as if he was trying to keep me safe from some dark secret he harbored.
           “We’re here,” he finally said. Up ahead, light filtered through as the trees began to thin. I shielded my eyes, as it was suddenly very