~ CARA ~
There was an incredible moment when Rig started putting images and memories in my head—they were so much more than anything I could see with my eyes. Colored by feelings and sensations.
He showed me the night he'd first accepted the bond, back when I was still completely ignorant.
I felt the dual resolution and resignation in him, the knowledge that he was doomed to love me for the rest of his life whether I could feel the bond or not. The fear he'd felt that I wouldn't believe he'd committed to me.
And his disgust with himself when I thought he was still sleeping with others. Especially Natalie.
And then, when he thought of Natalie—blond, glossy, coiffed Natalie—the image that appeared in my mind was so... bland.
"Wait, wait," I said. "Are you doing that on purpose?"
"Doing what?"
"Making her look so drab next to me."
Rig rolled his eyes. "Natalie isn't drab."