Page 139 of Born of Blood and Ash

“Agreed.” Nibbling on a fingernail, I watched him walk tothe desk and pour himself a drink from the decanter.

It wasn’t often that I wished I had his ability to senseemotion, but now was one of those times. I couldn’t tell if he was angry ordisappointed in me for offering the deal. If it was the former, I could dealwith anger. Disappointment, though? My stomach churned. That would be harder toface.

But I knew he disagreed with what I’d decided. That much wasclear.

He looked over at me. “Something to drink?”

“Water is fine.”

“I will head to Vathi in the morning.” Ash poured from thepitcher. “I think it would be wise to let Attes knowabout the deals.”

I nodded. “He won’t be happy to hear what Kolis asked for.”

Lowering the decanter, Ash’s head tilted, and his browfurrowed in perplexity.

“He knew her when Kolis brought her back and kept hercaptive. I don’t know why Kolis allowed that, but Attesgrew to care for her,” I explained, folding my other arm over my waist. “Ithink it may have been more than that, honestly.”

“If that is the case, then I feel bad for the bastard.”

Well, I guessed feeling empathy for him was a step in theright direction. “I think it’s also a good idea for Attesto keep The Star, at least for now, since Kolis believes we have it.”

Ash nodded. “Would you like the water?” he asked as heapproached. “Or would you like to continue chewing away at your finger?”

I narrowed my eyes at him and took the glass. “Thank you.”

“Mm-hmm.” He turned and took a drink. “Is that what you’reanxious about?”

Holding the glass to my chest, I frowned. “What?”

“You’re projecting anxiety. It tastes like syrup but carriesthe tartness of unease. It’s not what I normally pick up from you when you’reanxious.”

Normally? I made a face.

Turning, he leaned against the edge of the desk. “Though Idon’t think it’s Attes that has you this anxious.”

It wasn’t.

His eyes met mine over the rim of his glass. “Talk to me.”

I took a drink, wishing I had opted for the whiskey. Therewere times when I was good at talking, especially when I was running my mouth,but these kinds of conversations? Well, I sucked at them.

But Ash was likely already aware of that.

Hand tightening around the glass, I looked up. “Are you…areyou mad at me?”

A crease formed between his brows as he lowered his drink.“What?”

“Because of the deal I offered,” I hurried on. “Or are youdisappointed?”

“Sera,” he said, setting his glass aside. “I’m not mad atyou, nor am I disappointed in you.”

I should’ve felt relief upon hearing that, but I didn’t.“You’re feeling something about it, though.”

“Yeah.” He laughed, thrusting a hand through his hair. “I’mfeeling a lot of different things about it. Namely frustration.”

“With me?”

“A little, but mostly with myself.”

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