Petals of Deceit

Tess noticed that Gideon suddenly tensed up again after a moment of relief.

"What happened? What kind of flower is this? Why...did it suddenly disappear?"

Gideon felt Tess was a bit scared. He tightened his arm slightly, pulling her closer to his chest.

"Don't be afraid."

Feeling his strength and the warmth of his chest, Tess looked up at the man in bewilderment, inadvertently falling into his dee