Woman Beheld by Tianna Xander Read Free Book Online

She was trying to understand, but was certain that she was missing something.
    The Fates had said she was his mate and he hers, but not once did they say anything about love. As much as she wanted to stay here with him on this perfect world with his seemingly-perfect people, how could she sell herself like that? Staying here and loving him was one thing, but remaining with him just so she would have a roof over her head and food in her belly was another thing entirely.
    “I am invincible, yes.” He nodded. “However, when I find the right woman, I can grow old and die.” He sighed. “You have no idea how tempting a thing that is. I have spent lifetimes alone, watching my friends die around me while I stood by, helpless.” He shifted his gaze to his feet. “I’m tired, Elle. I want to grow old.” He raised his gaze to meet hers. “More importantly, I want to grow old with you.”
    “Why me?”
    “The Fates might have made a mistake eons ago, but they know their jobs now. One look at you and I was smitten. One word from your lips and I was lost. One day in your presence and I know I never want to live without you. As impossible as you might think it seems, I love you, Elle, and I will love you until the day I die.”
    Elle’s throat burned and unshed tears stung her eyes as he knelt in front of her and took her hand in his. How many times had she dreamed of such a thing happening back home? Even when Barry had proposed, he did it in the front seat of his car with his hand on her leg inching its way up her skirt.
    “Though we’ve only known each other a short time, I love you more than I can possibly say, Elle.” Daffyd kissed the back of her hand, before he turned it over and kissed her palm. “I have waited years, lifetimes for someone like you—a woman with whom I can share my life. A woman with whom I can grow old and die.” He smiled up at her. “Though, when our life forces are entwined, it will lengthen your lifespan considerably.”
    “I don’t think I want to live forever.” She stared down at him wondering what it was like to live your life knowing that everyone around you would die and you’d have to start all over again with new servants and new friends. Elle was sure she couldn’t do something like that. It would kill her to watch everyone she ever cared about die, again and again.
    Reaching out with her free hand, she cupped the side of his face. Warmth seeped into her fingers. The stubble on his chin pricked her skin and she smiled down at him. “I can’t make any promises, not yet. But I will stay and try—at least for a little while.”
    “That’s all I dare ask of you, Elle. Just try.” Standing, he tucked her hand into his arm and led her around the room. “I have been told that this is where my cradle once stood.” Daffyd gestured an area near a door. “You will be sleeping in the suite on the other side of the door.” He winked at her. “With any luck at all, I will be in there with you, but no pressure.”
    “Right. No pressure.” She laughed. “Just when do you expect this double occupancy?” Her stomach did little flips at the thought of sharing a bed with Daffyd. He was tall, a lot taller than she was. The top of her head barely reached his shoulders. She’d always been attracted to tall and dark men. Looks never really mattered much, but Daffyd was rather easy on the eyes. Elle could see that even when she wasn’t looking.
    “Whenever you say. If you say.” He shrugged and steered her toward another corner of the room. “As I said, no pressure .” He glanced at the bare bookshelves. “All of my bedtime stories were stored here.” He reached out, running his hand over the front of a shelf. It came away covered in dust.
    When was the last time anyone cleaned this place?” Elle grimaced. “If you get me a few rags and a bucket of warm, soapy water, I’ll start working on it today.”
    “You will not .” Daffyd stared at her as though her statement