She listened, struck by the sorrow in his voice.
"Such is the weakness of a man," he added bitterly.
"You're not weak, Damian," she said, propping her chin on his chest to look up at him. "I've seen your soul, you know."
"It serves me right. I've been spying on the thoughts of humanity for thousands of years. Guess it's my turn."
"I'm glad you didn't destroy the world," she whispered.
"For the record, you're fucking crazy. I could have killed you."
"It's the least I could do. You're there for me when I need you," she said. "Even if your attitude sucks."
He chuckled hoarsely and spread butterfly kisses across her forehead, hugging her against him even tighter. She loved being in his arms!
"My sweet, pain in the ass Oracle. Looks like it was a good idea bringing you back from the dead after all."
"That's the worst thing you've ever said to me!" she cried, offended.
She felt the tension within him melt, and the restless shadows wrap around her, cocooning them before retreating. She'd never felt a surrender like his. His guard was down for the first time since she'd known him. The idea of him being vulnerable to anyone floored her. From his home videos, he'd never lowered his guard to anyone, even Claire. Awed by the power she had over him, she began to understand the extent of his solitary existence for the millennia of his life. He'd known love and trust only in the earliest stage of his life, when he had a family before he entered the dark age of his people. He'd been alone since, except for his two adopted brothers. He'd never been able to share his pain with anyone else.
Her stomach growled.
"So you are hungry."
"I'm always hungry," she grumbled.
"Can't get enough of me."
Jackass.
He drew away from her, and she met his black gaze. Hot desire flowed through her and was mirrored on his face. His gaze was direct, just short of demanding. She took a step back.
He offered his wrist, and she knew he was offering much more. She shook her head, mouth too dry to speak. She wanted him, God did she want him!
"When I'm ready to destroy the world, you waltz in like it's nothing. When it's just us, you run. How does that work, Sofia?" he challenged in a husky tone.
It was one thing to offer her body, but her heart, her soul … he would take all of her, consume her completely, irrevocably. She stood on a ledge, considering a swan dive into the depths of the universe. As much as she wanted him, needed him, she was terrified to take the final step that would make her his for eternity.