Chapter 3

I looked away, closing my eyes, thinking it was all a dream. My mind had to be playing tricks on me. I took a deep breath, before opening my eyes once more. I turned, but he was still there, standing while his black cloak bellowed around him.

He bowed slightly. "Hello, Gemma."

"Hello," I said lowly. I was not convinced that this was all happening.

He stepped closer to me and was now only a foot away from me.

"How are you?" he asked.

It was all I could do not to yell at him for leaving. I controlled myself and walked in the opposite direction. "Fine. I have been getting along famously." Without you, I wanted to add.

I didn't have to turn around to know he was following me.

"That's always nice to hear," he calmly replied.

I stopped and turned sharply around, bumping straight into him. How he gotten so close was a mystery to me, but here he was, standing inches in front of me. My heart beat started to quicken. I grew extremely lightheaded and, unwillingly, my eyes moved to his lips.

Stop it, Gemma. You can't be feeling this way. What about Simon?

To control myself, I stepped back from him. A blush crept up against my cheek. Amazing how strong my feelings were after so long. But I can't have feelings for him, not anymore, not since my engagement to Simon.

"How are you?" I asked, fixing my eyes on a spot, on the ground.

"I have been well."

"Wonderful," I barely spoke above a whisper.

A silence formed between us, causing my anger to come back to me. My head snapped up, facing him. "Why did you come back?"

"I would think it is painfully obvious." He smiled an elusive smile.

I felt my lips form a smile. I bit it back, reminding myself once more of Simon, who would come out here and discover us, if I wasn't back soon.

"I must get back inside."

Kartik's smile dropped, as he reached out for me. "Gemma, wait."

My eyes wandered to where his hand grasped my arm. I looked up at him, our eyes locking. He stepped closer to me, so he was inches away from me. "I missed you, Gemma. You have no idea how much."

Before I could respond, he leaned down and kissed me.

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I know. Suspence, suspence. But I mean how else would I keep you guys coming back?