Chapter 9

My body, heart, and soul are pulled into this flash of breath, which completely spins my world on tilt and instantly changes everything. Neither of us can do anything in our paralyzed state but let it happen until the wild ride of transferring all we are, all we know, all we feel, is done and leaves us shell-shocked from the fallout. Rooted to the spot, aware only of the darkest chocolate eyes on mine, unable to break free yet marooned like I suddenly found a home, and his gaze goes from sworn enemy to lifeline in my darkness. Breathless, reeling from the invasion of his life, memories, and history pouring into my memory banks, I finally snap out and fall backward into a slump. Released from whatever the hell that was and momentarily dazed. I am entirely incapable of any kind of movement as I lie on the ground, startled into silence and lightheaded from what felt like a physical assault. “Holy shit!” Colton’s voice waves my way, sounding equally shocked and as breathless as me, and I s