Page 131 of It Starts With A No

“I’ve never told anyone else. Besides Mr. E, none of the Eolenfelds know.” She blew out a breath. “So though I’m not an Eolenfeld ...”

“Clary, I will never put you in a position where you’ll have to choose between us, okay? I give you my word.”

“Is that possible, though? It feels naïve to think it is.”

* * *

Seth didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t lying. He had every intention of keeping his word.

But Clary was right. Were they being naïve?

Maybe.

“I don’t care,” he said.

Clary’s brows puckered.

“I don’t care if we’re being naïve. I want you in my life. Stay.” He’d kept quiet before when he shouldn’t. He wasn’t going to make that mistake again.

He held his breath as Clary’s gaze roamed across his face.

“And I really want to kiss you.” If he’d actually been thinking, he probably wouldn’t have said those words aloud.

But Clary’s chuckle took away whatever regrets he had.

“You did save my life.”

He grinned. “I did,” he said and leaned closer. He didn’t close the distance immediately, though.

Raising a hand, he brushed the back of his finger across her cheek and down her jaw. Her skin was so soft, and he wondered if her lips would feel the same.

When her gaze lifted to lock with his, he actually thanked God for keeping her safe.

Then he pressed his lips to hers.

Chapter 26

“Clary?”

Clary turned on her side. “Yeah?” she called out from the bed. She was partially awake, but she didn’t want to get out of bed. It was dark, and she could hear the pitter-patter of rain against the window. “It’s open.”

The door opened.

“You’re supposed to lock the door,” Seth said.

“I forgot.”

“Are you okay?”

“What time is it?”

“Ten.”

“Come back at twelve.”

Seth laughed. “I have food.”

She opened her eyes.

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