Page 189 of Lau Ahi
The look he gave me affirmed that he wasn’t going to take no for an answer so I did the one thing I knew he would understand. I complied. And it earned me a smile he had to have been practicing because it was soul-melting.
Being up this early after staying up late wasn’t my idea of a honeymoon especially not when I could still feel the remnants of the night before. Instead of complaining I walked to the surprisingly luxurious bathroom and started my morning routine. Ori was already dressed and brushing his teeth when I came out of the water closet and I studied him as I washed my hands and prepped to do my skincare. He spat into the sink glancing at me and giving me a wink.
He’s had his body snatched.
“You’re not about to put on makeup or contacts are you?”
His question brought me out of my musing; I almost didn’t hear him. “I—”
“You never need any of it but especially not for what we’re about to do. You’ll probably want to shower when we get back.”
“Are you about to take me into one of those early arctic morning dips or something ridiculous like that?”
Ori leaned back against the sink with his arms crossed over his black Henley-covered chest. “I’m Black and Polynesian. None of my ancestors fucked with the cold so why do you think I would?”
“Because you’ve got me layering up to go do God knows what and we’re honeymooning in a cabin instead of on an island.”
“The island will come sooner than you think. This was quicker and necessary. A part of me that we could have without interruption. So move your ass,wife, we’ve got shit to do.”
“Is this one of those Alpine divorces I’ve heard about?”
We’d been walking up a mountain for the last twenty minutes and despite thinking I was in good shape my thighs were already burning. Of course, the giant I married was practically frolicking through the woods as though he wereHansel, orGoldilocksready to trespass on someone’s property and then scream out they were wronged when being called out on their bullshit. Knowing Ori though he probably owned this damn mountain.
“No. I wanted to show you something beautiful.” I still couldn’t understand how he got his voice to project over his shoulder the way he did, since he hadn’t bothered to turn around. I’d been looking at the back of his black hoodie since he saw that I could keep up with his strides. Despite his not having a visual on me, I knew he was listening out to ensure I was okay. It was oddly comforting having him care.
“I’m not one to fall apart if that’s what you were wondering.”
“Falling apart is beneath you. Weakness is beneath you and I wouldn’t have married you if I thought those were things you were capable of.”
My god when had this man learned what it took to stroke my ego? When had I developed an ego?And why wasn’t it strong enough to withstand whatever this emotional assault that my husband seemed so intent on providing?
“Flattery now?”
He stopped and turned instead of looking over his shoulder at me. Ori barely looked like he’d broken a sweat and I was envious of his ability and grateful for his stamina, despite it probably being honed in less than favorable situations.
“Truth. It’s not weak to show somebody how you feel not when you know it’s someone who will protect you and those emotions with their life.”
“And is that what you’re telling me?”
At first, he didn’t answer, simply pressed a kiss to my lips. “Yes, I am. It’s what I’ve been telling you and what I’ve always shown you. Nothing will ever hurt you as long as I’m around.”
“I truly want to believe you.”
“You already do. That’s why you’re so troubled.” That grimace-like smile was back on his face and he turned again and started walking.
“You think you know everything don’t you?” It was the only words I could say since he was right. He’d lived up to every promise and he wouldn’t ever know how much that meant to me.
“No. But you, I’m learning.” Again he sounded light-hearted and it felt like this was real.
“And how are the lessons so far? Arduous having to study your wife?”
Ori ducked under a tree holding the limb so that it wouldn’t hit me as I walked. “Not arduous, frustrating. But also probably the most worthwhile endeavor I’ve ever undertaken. See, now you’re not the only one speaking their truth are you?” The intensity of his eyes melded with the sentiment of his words forcing me to accept them exactly as he’d spoken them. I knew that Ori was never a liar but this charming side that he’d been more apt to display in the most recent weeks was throwing me. I didn’t think he was ever a bad person, but I wasn’t even sure if he realized just how different he’d become.
“No, I guess I’m not.” I nibbled my lower lip but it didn’t stop the smile that grew across my face as his words sunk into my soul.
“I think my friends think that I killed my father.” This comment came out of left field because he never spoke on his father. The bit I’d learned about Ikaika Nakoa was that he was a handsome asshole who never deserved his wife, his son, or the benefits that came with his marriage.
“Does it upset you that they think that of you?”
