Broken

.19.

I didn't have time to think as Rhex wrapped his arms around me and captured my mouth with his. Heat flooded me and pooled low in my belly. I wrapped my arms around him, opening my mouth for him as I ran my hands through his hair before attempting to pull myself closer to his large frame.

Nothing mattered but his lips on mine as his hands pulled me closer. I wasn't quite sure where all the random kisses came from and I didn't exactly care. I felt him trail a hand up my back to cup the back of my neck. I relaxed into him, letting my body mould to his.

His fingers dug into the muscles on my lower back before his hand slid to my hip, gripping it tightly before moving me backwards so the backs of my legs were pressed against the patio table. I bunched my hand in his hair before wrapping my arm around his shoulder and pulling him down slightly, my fingers gripping his shoulder muscles tightly. It was like there was a raging inferno moving through me as his mouth claimed mine and he was the only thing keeping me from going up in flames.

He pulled back suddenly before burying his face into my neck. There was silence as I fought to get my bearings. I tried to sort through the chaos that was now my brain but it was difficult as my lips still burned and tingled.

My pulse raced and I tried to calm my breathing. "What was that about?" I felt my breath hitch as he nuzzled my neck. Silence fell again as he held me tight to his body, nuzzling my neck slowly.

After a few moments he pulled away before touching his forehead to mine. His eyes were closed and I traced the features of his face with my gaze. He had a strong face, it was severe and hard but I loved every edge of it. It was terrifying for me to love the man standing in front of me yet I knew little about him.

"Your mother told me that it would get worse." His tone was low and it seemed intimate in the small space between our bodies.

"That what would get worse?" I leaned forward and rubbed my nose along his, needing the contact. soulmates were a difficult thing to understand. I hadn't known how much I would need the contact with him, how much of my life was now tied to his.

"My need to touch you. She said it would get worse until I complete the bond." His words made me shiver slightly and I closed my eyes. "I am leaving in two days. I cannot back out of training." I had known that so the words didn't surprise me as the hand cupping the back of my neck moved to cradle my jaw.

"I know, Rhex. It's okay." I let myself enjoy the embrace, they didn't come often and I knew that in two days they would be gone for a very long time.

"This is very difficult for me." He sounded frustrated and I ran my fingers through his hair, trying to sooth the tension that bunched his muscles.

"You and me both, Rhex." I let out a sigh. "I'll miss you. I barely know who you are but I'll miss you when you are gone." He finally opened his eyes, a small smile turning up the one corner of his mouth.

"I don't really know you either." He pulled back and stepped away. I missed the contact almost immediately. He ran his hands through his hair as if trying to put it back into place. "Could we use the time apart to get to know each other?" He looked earnest and I nodded.

"That sounds like a great idea. That way we will have some idea as to who each of us are when we get back together." I crossed my arms over my chest and scuffed the toe of my sneaker on the ground feeling almost shy. I hated the feeling. I had never been shy before but with Rhex I couldn't help myself. I wasn't sure if I would ever be good enough for him and I felt like I was eighteen again and feeling shy before getting introduced to a soulmate I would ultimately reject.

This time there was no rejection but it didn't stop the shyness from being there. I looked up at him and he looked almost nervous as he ran his hand through his hair again. Another silence fell and the urge to touch him was starting again.

"We should head back inside. Your mother is making us lunch." He gestured to the back door and I gave a small nod of agreement before moving past him and into the house. I could smell grilled cheese and I smiled as I stepped into the kitchen.

"Grilled cheese?" I looked at my mum who was currently putting plates on the table.

"And chicken noodle soup." She nodded to the stove and I went over to a drawer and grabbed some spoons before placing them on the table as she grabbed some bowls. I turned back to the stove as my dad took the grilled cheese off the frying pan. I took the plate of them and set them on the middle of the table.

Before long the pot of soup was placed as well and I looked towards the door where Rhex stood, looking almost awkward at our flurry of activity. I waved him over and he looked almost hesitant before he slowly made his way over to me.

"It's nothing fancy. We prefer to do wholesome in this family." My mum's smile was bright and I gestured to a chair before sitting down beside it. Rhex hesitated before sitting down, I smiled slightly before reaching over and placing a sandwich on his plate as my mum ladled him some soup.

"I know Orrian food is a little different but this tastes just as good." My dad sat down as he grabbed a sandwich before taking a bite. I chuckled as I got myself some soup, letting the familiar scent wash over me. It reminded me of the days when I was little and stayed at home with my mum. It was a nice feeling and one that I knew I wouldn't feel again for a long time.