Page 180 of Eternal Craving

Even after a month, I still reveled in his company.

Jacob peered over the ivory carved pieces and then slid his bishop forward. I raised an eyebrow and he beamed at me. Staring down, considering my next move, I allowed myself to smile, but it wasn’t because I was letting him win.

It had all been worth it – every second of scouring the city, sacrificing my needs for his, spending years watching and waiting for the moment when we’d be reunited. Jacob was perfect in every way. I savored being near him. He’d inherited my bone structure, but he also had his mother’s eyes, her dark olive skin. Faint laughter lines gave away his penchant for smiling. He’d drawn on his faith to cope with all that he’d seen in his young life.

Chess was not the only game being played here. My gestures were slow and deliberate, as I advanced a pawn.

I hadn’t found the right moment to show Jacob the private study I’d designed for him, anxious not to overwhelm him. More serious than that, the matter of my immortality had yet to be discussed. I feared more than just losing a son’s love. Ourrekindled relationship had breathed new life into Belshazzar’s, and this sprawling manor no longer seemed lonely – it had become a home because of him.

Jacob positioned his knight, taking a pawn and threatening my bishop.

“Do you remember how to ride?” I asked.

“I remember you forcing me to get on one of those huge horses. I was terrified.”

“You had the time of your life.”

“Is that how you saw it?”

“You never complained.”

“Too scared to talk, no doubt.” He pulled a face.

“Your brother loved to ride.” As the words faded, I sucked in air. The pain of losing him had been unbearable, and until now I’d pushed away all thoughts of my child’s death. Jacob’s presence had brought great joy, but it also stirred up memories that I’d once suppressed.

Jacob met my gaze. “Tell me about him.”

“Eduardo? He was a headstrong boy.” My smile quickly faded. “He died before you learned to walk.”

“Did we look alike?”

I nodded. “Do you remember running away?”

“I ran away?”

“Well, you ran out of your Aunt Alicia’s house and hid in the barn.”

“Why?”

“Can’t even remember now. I found you asleep in one of the stalls.”

“How long did you search for me?”

“Hours.” A wave of melancholy washed over me. The story of losing him had been repeated on a grander scale.

“I’m sorry I caused you so much grief,” Jacob said.

“You brought us nothing but joy.” I paused and smiled. “Still do.”

Jacob’s eyes crinkled into a smile and he sat back. “You still haven’t introduced me to your house guests.”

“Marcus is looking forward to meeting you.”

Much to my relief, Marcus had seen the wisdom of keeping Rachel and Jacob apart. She’d been forbidden to play her violin.

“Tomorrow night, I have to visit an old acquaintance,” I said.

“May I come with you?”