Page 65 of Loving Amari

Tofi, you’re such a traitor.

I stiffen.

I told Tofi not to say anything, but Daddy’s girl as always had to protect her daddy. She was afraid you’d pass out.

“I think I’m going to, but I don’t think vampires have fainting spells.” My voice shakes.

It’s me. You aren’t going mad.

“How can I hear you?” I grip the doorframe, needing the support.

It took me a while to figure it out. I’m bound to limbo because of my ascension. The living can’t have a goddess walking around for some odd reason.

I put a hand to my chest, stumbling as my world spins upside down. My knees buckle slightly.

Amari. Amari!Worry floods her voice.

I start to cry, choking on the emotions. “I’m okay, Carla. Just give me a minute for this to settle in.” I wipe my face with shaking hands. “It’s been a month. An agonizing month and I hoped for something. Anything.”

I’m sorry.

I sniffle and wipe my face, then look at Tofi who’s approaching me with concern, her legs tapping nervously. “It’s okay, Tofi baby. I’m just happy is all.”

I’m not going to stay in your head all day. Maybe for a few hours every night until I figure out how we can be together again.

“You can stay in my head as long as you want, Carla baby.” I lean against the wall, trying to steady myself.

“The scent on your clothes, on your blankets, it’s fading. I need to see you.”

If I do that, you’ll go insane.

“I’m already going insane being without you.”

Clock’s ticking, Amari, until tomorrow. That’s my rule. Now, talk to me. Catch me up on everything I’ve missed and I’ll tell you how dark and lonely it is in limbo.

I smile, the first genuine smile in a month.

I kick off my shoes and pull off my suit jacket, leaving it in the foyer. Then I roll up my sleeves, exposing my forearms.

“A few hours you say? Let me cook you dinner then.”

I can’t eat with you.

“Pretend. Give me a date night.”

I wish you could feel my blush.

“I can’t, but I’m going to pretend I do.”

I walk into the kitchen and Tofi follows, just watching me like I’ve lost my mind as I pull some ground beef out of the fridge and start making dinner. The familiar ritual soothes me.

“A romantic tradition we have. Me making you a cheeseburger.”

I also pour myself a glass of blood from the fridge and drink it cold. No need to waste time heating it up. I just want to be strong enough so I can enjoy my time with her.

When I get out of here, and I’m back in your arms, I’m catering to you and I don’t give a shit how much you protest. You will sit down and take whatever I give you.

I smirk. “Yes, baby. I am your servant.”