Read Online Dragonvein - Book Three by Brian D. Anderson - Free Book Online Page A

lowered his head briefly and drew a long breath before continuing. “When I look at you, I can’t help but wonder what you see in me. Sure, I’m supposed to be this great mage descended from an ancient family of mages. And I’ve been told over and over how I’m destined to save Lumnia and end the rule of Shinzan. The dwarves even call me Lord Dragonvein for God’s sake.”
    A short, ironic laugh slipped out. “But the truth is, I was brought up a baker’s son in Brooklyn. We lived in a two bedroom apartment on 86 th Street, not some big fancy palace. I played stick ball in the streets and hung out with my friends. After I joined the Airborne, I figured the best destiny I could hope for was not getting killed by the Krauts. And as far as women go…” He gave another laugh, this time a self-effacing one. “It’s not as if girls didn’t like me at all. But none of them were ever like you.”
    Kat started to say something, but Ethan raised his hand. “It’s all right. I know I’m not the best looking guy ever. I’m not Jake, or even Markus.”
    This time Kat would not keep quiet. “Jake is nothing compared to you,” she told him emphatically. “And Markus is definitely not my type.”
    Ethan smiled. “Well, I agree that Jake’s not the brightest guy in the world. But he’s handsome enough. And now that Markus’ scars are healed, he’s not too bad either. Lylinora seems to think so, anyhow.”
    For a split second, Kat felt a pang of jealousy at the mention of Lylinora’s name. But the look in Ethan’s eyes told her that she was being silly. Whatever had been between them, it was now well and truly over. And even if Lylinora did still hold feelings for him, it was most unlikely she would ever act on them. As for Ethan – he was way too honorable to betray either her or Markus.
    She remained silent.
    “What I’m trying to say,” he continued, “Is that I've been finding it hard to understand why you love me the way you do. I mean, you waited for five years with no real hope of ever returning to Lumnia. And when you did manage to return, the love of the young girl hadn't faded away. No, it had grown. Hell, it had blossomed into something so wonderful, it took me completely by surprise. And you had become more beautiful. Not just on the outside, but on the inside too.”
    He sighed. “I keep wondering how someone so perfect could love someone so flawed. I have these vague memories of thousands of my ancestors swirling around in my mind. Many of them are about the love they once felt for another. Sometimes I can see them in my head…and even feel what they felt. But not a single one compares to what I see when I look into your eyes. And none of them have prepared me for the way I'm now feeling for you.”
    His words touched deep inside her. Kat's heart was thudding in her chest. A tear fell down her cheek.
    Ethan caught the tear with the tip of his finger and smiled. “My father used to tell me all the time that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. I used to believe that. But seeing you here in front of me - knowing how much you love me - he was wrong. Please, never forget one thing. I do love you. Completely. I just hope that I can become worthy of you. I’m afraid I won’t be. But I promise I’ll try.”
    Kat leaned in to cup his face in her hands. This was it. The perfection that Lylinora had told her about. Now was the time for her to give herself fully to the man she loved. She kissed him tenderly, then rose gracefully to her feet.
    Ethan looked up at her, his loving smile never fading as she pulled her dress away from her shoulders allowing it to slip down to her ankles. Lylinora’s final words of advice whispered in her thoughts. And if the moment is right, just do what comes naturally . She stepped completely out of the dress, allowing Ethan to gaze at her body in full view. There was no feeling of modesty or nervousness. His desire for her was written clearly in his