Page 169 of Born of Blood and Ash

“You sure?” His body pressed into mine, inching me backagainst the desk, and I felt against my belly just how much he wastelling the truth. “I can practically taste your arousal.”

My blood heated as every single one of my nerve endingshummed.

“Sunshine,” he murmured, threading his fingers through mine.“Attes and I talked things through and came to anunderstanding.”

“But not forgiveness?”

“Forgiveness is nothing more than a benefit to theforgiver,” he reminded me. “Because it is easy, it does so very little.Understanding is much harder. It allows for a chance to move forward, which iswhat we will do.”

The next breath I took came a little easier. “I’m glad tohear that.”

“I knew you would be. That is why I made an effort tounderstand.”

“After punching him? A few times?”

“No.” Ash smirked. “That happened after we came toan understanding.”

“Oh, my gods.”

“I know I should probably apologize.”

“But you wouldn’t mean it,” I said, and he gave me anotherhalf-grin. “I think it’s better if we stop talking about Attes.”

“Agreed,” he murmured, nipping at another finger. “You saidyou had a feeling that drove you to Vathi? Was it the vadentia?”

“I don’t know. I mean, it had to be that, but it feltdifferent. I’m not sure how to explain it. It started when I was talking to Penellaphe and Ward and realized—”

“Wait a second.” Eather swirled in his irises. “You weretalking to Penellaphe and that viktor?”

“Yes. I tried to summon Holland.”

Ash pressed a kiss to the golden imprint. “Was it becauseyou missed him? Or was there another reason?”

My head tilted slightly. “Both.”

“You’re surprised.” His lashes swept down. “It’s coolagainst my throat.”

I blinked. “I…I just didn’t expect you to think of that. Ofme missing him,” I admitted.

His chest rose with a heavy breath. “Sometimes, I forget howlucky I am to have had a kind and involved father.” His gaze lifted to mine. “Ihate that basic consideration comes as a surprise to you. I wish I could changethat.”

“You are,” I whispered.

“And I will continue to do so.” Dipping his head, he kissedme. “I’m sorry he did not answer.”

“Me, too,” I whispered, my throat stinging like it had whenI spoke with Penellaphe but for a different reasonthis time.

His stare pierced mine. “I am beginning to dislike Hollandas much as your mother.”

“It’s not his fault. My reasons were personal,” I said,defending him as Penellaphe had. “And since Isummoned him directly, it could have been seen as favoritism if he’d come.”

“That makes little sense,” Ash said. “Therefore, it islikely true.”

I cracked a grin.

His features warmed as he looked down at me. “What was yourreason? Other than wanting to see him.”

I lowered my hands to my sides. “I remembered somethingwhile you were gone.” I paused as he lifted a hand from my hip. His fingerswalked their way up the line of clasps on my vest. “It’s about what Kolis saidregarding the vision Penellaphe had.”

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