MasukAmelia's POV
The evening breeze seemed warmer than usual as we made our way back to the car. It was as though the world or perhaps just this tiny beach had chosen to offer me a respite, from the turmoil my life had constantly been.
Xavier’s voice continued to ring in my mind, "Tomorrow, the day whenever.”
I couldn’t recall when someone last spoke to me like that free of pressure free of conditions free of that tone. Simply a gentle assurance, one that didn’t tie me down yet felt like a rescue line.
As we approached the vehicle my pace decreased.
I wished the evening would never conclude.
I was reluctant to return to the reality filled with doubts and falsehoods we had only just revealed.
The shore, the sand, the crashing of waves it all seemed like a break from my existence and Xavier seemed both fresh and oddly recognizab
Amelia’s POVThere was more to his words than met the ear. Not merely honesty . Yearning. For what I had yet to understand.I exhaled deeply angling my head a bit to catch my reflection in the glass. My hair was tousled by the seaside breeze my eyes a bit swollen but less fatigued, than usual. Even my cheeks appeared vibrant.All because of his presence tonight.I slipped off my shoes. Made my way slowly to the kitchen. A glass of water could help soothe the tightness in my chest. Yet when I went to open the cupboard I noticed my hands were shaking.“Oh dear why do I behave this way?" I murmured quietly to myself.At last I drank some water. Yet that failed to soothe my thoughts, which kept rehashing every moment since we departed the beach.The manner in which he gazed at me.
Amelia's POV“I whispered, ‘The ocean appears stunning this evening.’”“Not as lovely as you are when you grin.”I quickly squeezed his arm. "Quit it. No flirting.”“I’m not flirting " he retorted. "That’s an established fact.”I attempted to suppress a grin. Utterly failed. "You’re unbelievable.”“I got you to smile.”Indeed I did. Truly.A while afterward the wind intensified. My hair lashed across my face so I lifted my hand to protect myself.Xavier observed briefly then gently tapped the shoulder of my cardigan. "Are you feeling chilly?”“No." I rapidly shook my head though a slight tremble gave me away. "I’m alright.”“Amelia.
I still climbed down from the hood. "Alright. If it gets weird.”“I’ll go first.”“Amazing," I whispered, trailing behind him.We strolled over to the dock. The timber groaned gently beneath our feet as we moved onto it. The water struck the supports, below us producing a noise that oddly calmed me.“Have a seat " he instructed, motioning toward the corner.I perched, my feet hanging above the water.“This location " he started, "was once where I found my peace.”I faced him. "Do you also have a retreat?”He gave a nod. ". I have never taken anyone here.”My heart skipped slightly. "Am I the first?”“Yes " he replied immediately.I gazed at the water a grin spreading across my face. "T
Amelia's POVThe evening breeze seemed warmer than usual as we made our way back to the car. It was as though the world or perhaps just this tiny beach had chosen to offer me a respite, from the turmoil my life had constantly been.Xavier’s voice continued to ring in my mind, "Tomorrow, the day whenever.”I couldn’t recall when someone last spoke to me like that free of pressure free of conditions free of that tone. Simply a gentle assurance, one that didn’t tie me down yet felt like a rescue line.As we approached the vehicle my pace decreased.I wished the evening would never conclude.I was reluctant to return to the reality filled with doubts and falsehoods we had only just revealed.The shore, the sand, the crashing of waves it all seemed like a break from my existence and Xavier seemed both fresh and oddly recognizab
Xavier's POVThe ocean wind welcomed us soon as we exited the vehicle. Refreshing gentle sweeping away the traces of the day’s turmoil.Amelia shut her eyes briefly, her hair fluttering in the breeze. "This spot has always been special to me," she remarked. "I often came here by myself.”“Why alone?”She gave a shrug. "It’s simpler. Nobody checks if I’m alright.”I observed her outline, the arch of her shoulders, the manner in which she stood, as though guarding something within her.“I’m here with you now,” I told him.She looked back something restrained within her eyes thankfulness. Anxiety, about trusting me too readily.“Shall we take a walk?" She shifted the subject before her feelings could reveal themselves.We strolled along the sh
Xavier's POV“I am not human.”She released a trembling chuckle tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You’re overconfident.”“For you?”“Maybe.”I paused briefly before raising her hand and placing it upon my heartbeat. Her fingers bent naturally as though committing the rhythm to memory.“This." I stated, "doesn’t operate.”Her breath hitched more a noise I was slowly becoming familiar with. A noise that caused a warm feeling to spread within my chest.She moved nearer unconsciously, her forehead touching mine. The space between us seemed delicate, intense, like a cord stretched much. For a second I questioned if she hoped I would bridge it.However she drew away, fluttering her eyes quickly.“May I share som







