Dismount (Off Balance 5)

I blinked and checked the time over the stove. "Yeah, we have a little more time."

Kova reached into the bag again, this time retrieving a black velvet square box. He studied it for a moment, his thumb stroking over the top.

"I wanted to give you this at the Olympics, but the timing did not feel right."

I flinched. My heart hadn't recovered from that night yet. Kova looked at me like he wanted to say something. Instead, he placed a quick kiss to the top of my head then handed me the box.

My heart was fluttering wondering what else he gave me. I shot him a half smile then lifted the top to reveal a thin chain with the five Olympic gold rings clasped together. My lips parted in awe and I gasped. "Kova," I whispered. Tears welled in my eyes. The charm was positioned off center so the symbol would rest over my left collarbone. The pad of my finger grazed the shiny metal as I stared at the circles.

I tilted my head up and sadness clouded his features. I blinked a few times. "It's so beautiful."

"May I?" he asked. I nodded.

He stepped closer and bent over, squinting his eyes. "I did not want you to mark up your skin. At least, I hope that you do not. I thought this was a better alternative." He released the necklace from its holder then placed the box on the counter next to us.

I smiled to myself remembering how I had once told him I hoped to have a tattoo like his one day. That felt like ages ago.

Kova stepped behind me. I lifted my braid and felt him exhale across the back of my neck. He raised the necklace and laid it over my chest. His fingers shook as he clasped it together.

Kova arranged the necklace then placed his hands on my shoulders. I peered down. My skin was creamier than usual from lack of sun and it caused the gold to stand out. His fingers splayed down the chain and grazed the delicate symbol that lay near the slant on my neck.

"Seeing you up there was the best day of my life," he said.

I swallowed thickly and my stomach clenched. I would forever hold this moment close to me. He had his set of rings, and now I had mine.

Leaning back against his chest, Kova slid his arms around my hips to embrace me. He pulled me to him and his large body engulfed mine. His arms were my security.

"Are we really going to do this?" I asked, my voice shaky.

I scooted closer and turned slightly to the side, resting my head on his bicep that was the perfect height as a pillow. I pressed my face into his arm and inhaled softly. We folded into each other and held on tight. My heart filled with warmth. He smelled like home. Kova leaned down and placed a kiss to my cheek.

Kova had once said there was no Kova without Ria, but the truth was there was no Ria without Kova.

Neither one of us had truly been living until we connected with each other. I’d taught him how to find true happiness, and he’d showed me how strong I could be. He’d prepared me for the battle I would soon face, and I was ready.

"Thank you for the necklace. I like your idea much better."

"I had it custom made. It is engraved underneath."

My eyes widened. I leaned forward to look, but he tugged me back. "Look at it later," he whispered. "Stay with me a little longer."

A soft smile tipped my lips. I nestled into Kova and absorbed his essence when it dawned on me. "What if I hadn't made it to the Olympics?"

"I had something else picked out for making the National team, but once I knew you were chosen for the Olympic team, I rushed the order."

"I love it so much," I said, my voice throaty. "I'll never take it off."

Kova kissed the space under my ear, his nose grazing my cheek. After a few last moments together, his next words twisted my stomach with instant nausea.

"Let us get your luggage."

I tensed, tightening my grip on him. My heart started to pound. His raw voice wreaked havoc on my heart. Tears instantly rose to my eyes and I squeezed them shut. I sniffled and anxiety swelled in my throat.

After a few moments I finally responded, and Kova dropped his arms.

Inhaling a deep breath, I walked to get my belongings. I'd only lived here for a couple of years, yet these walls held enough memories to last a decade. I wished I could take them with me.

I turned off the lights and my knees weakened. This was getting more and more real and I was beginning to question if I could actually go through with it or not. I loved him with all my heart.