Falling for Forever Read Online Free

dress lay neatly in the grass, and she was up to her waist in the river. The cool water swirled around her body as she submerged herself up to her neck. She swam over to Luca and splashed him playfully with water. He shook off quickly and reared as he laughed.
    "Oh yeah?" He grinned.
    She smiled back at him. "Yep."
    He leapt into the river and drenched her in a wave of water. She swam between his legs, her wings held tightly against her back. She smiled at his velvety side as they danced together through the clear blue paradise. Bryn playfully grabbed one of his front legs and twisted her body under his.
    Luca crashed sideways into the river in a rush of water and thrashing legs. She swam to the surface as Luca recovered and shook out his white coat. He smiled at her and used his big head to push her backwards into the water. She toppled in and then came up with her back to him.
    Bryn ran her hands through her long hair and over her muscular stomach. The water barely came up to her mid-thigh, and she chuckled as it swirled around her. She looked up and instantly froze. Her blood ran cold, and her muscles shook with fear.
    Mariah stared back at her, her eyes a reflection of her own shock. Bryn's body suddenly went limp, and she fell to her knees in the water. Her arms went to her chest, and she started shaking.
    "Mariah!" she yelped. 
    Mariah turned her back to her. "I did not mean to spy," Mariah called to her over her shoulder. "Rishi said you were by the river, and I did not expect you to be like you are now."
    Bryn rose to her feet in the water and waved to Luca as he disappeared into the forest. "Is there something you wanted, Mariah?"
    "The stores in town will be opening soon, and I wanted to make sure we were there early to avoid the crowds. So if you would please get dressed, we can get going."
    Bryn nodded slowly and walked out of the water. Her body dried quickly in the rising sun. She slipped the dress over her head and walked to Mariah.
    "Mariah?" she said as she placed a hand on her shoulder.
    "Is it safe?"
    She chuckled. "Yes, you may look now." Mariah opened her eyes and smiled at her. "May I ask a favor?" Mariah nodded, and Bryn turned around so that her back was to Mariah. "Lace me up?"
    Mariah chuckled. "Sure. What did you do about the laces yesterday?" she asked as her fingers began expertly pulling at the cords.
    "I didn't bother with them," Bryn said as her fingers moved over the bare skin of her back. She tickled Mariah's nose with the tip of her wing playfully. She laughed and pushed it aside as she finished. Mariah's hands lingered on her skin, but instead of the familiar knot, thousands of butterflies flew around in her stomach.
    "Are you married?" Bryn asked as she pulled away and ran her hands over Mariah's work.
    Mariah's voice became quieter, and Bryn realized she had touched a nerve. "No, I'm not."
    Bryn's curiosity persisted despite her better judgment. "Do you have a daughter?"
    "No."
    "Then how are you so good at lacing up dresses since you don't seem to wear any?"
    Mariah began walking to the gate. "We should hurry; the shops might already be opening."
    "Is the town far?" Bryn asked as she struggled to keep up.
    "Not far enough," Mariah said as they passed through the gate. It closed behind them, and Mariah started walking even faster.
    "How long will it take us to get there?"
    Mariah glared at her. "Don't you ever stop asking questions?"
    Tears swelled in Bryn's eyes, and she looked away.
    "I am sorry, ma'am. I have forgotten my place," she said as they started walking on an old beaten path. She slowed her place so that she was two steps behind her. Mariah tried slowing down to walk beside her, but as she did, Bryn increased the gap. Mariah sighed and continued walking toward town.
    "Bryn?" she asked quietly.
    "Yes, ma'am?"
    "Mariah, please."
    Bryn nodded. "Yes, Mariah?"
    "At the river…" Bryn's stomach tightened into a knot as Mariah spoke. "I noticed that you have a small mark on your