Warm Hugs

“You are a very smart girl. You just need to think about yourself sometimes,” Deril whispered in Queenie’s ear.

“I’ve done that before. More selfish than you can think.”

“I’ve heard that from the rumors of the people of the Bright River Kingdom. Luckily, I met you when everything had changed.”

“I regret that time. Long years wasted.”

“Humans have to learn from mistakes. Sometimes the lessons don’t come once, but many times.”

“One death and two lives is enough for me.”

Queenie closed her eyes. Deril’s hug felt so comfortable for her. Her back that met Deril’s chest seemed to merge. Queenie could feel Deril’s heart beating for her. Deril’s scent had told Queenie that the man hugging her was not a grape grower. Deril’s warmth was the warmth that sank Queenie’s soul. His perfect blend had made her surrender easily in the man’s arms.

They first met in Deril’s vineyards. Queenie knew him as The Farmer. Queenie has forgotten all that now. Deril was definitely no ordinary grape grower. Deril’