Page 56 of Heart of Frost and Scars

She’s all I see as she strides toward us, delicate like porcelain, impossibly petite, and glowing with a passion that matches all that red hair.

“Sit. Both of you.” Stepping between us, she pushes all of us apart with a strength that doesn’t fit her small hands.

“This isn’t over,” I bark at Leo. “Not by a long shot.”

“No, it’s not.” His eyes bore into mine. “But remember. This isn’t about you or me. It’s about her.”

The truth of his words stings, but I refuse to show it.

She needs to know she’s safe with me. To earn back her trust, I must proceed carefully, gently, and take my time to reconnect her heart with mine. I need to present the most protective and tender aspects of my masculinity rather than the dark, volatile corners.

I step back, and the tension disentangles as Leo and I lower into our chairs.

“You, too.” She narrows those huge green eyes at Kody.

With a grunt, he lumbers around the table and takes the seat across from her.

“Are you ready to talk like adults?” She crosses her arms, standing behind the remaining chair.

I feel Leo’s glare. Neither of us speaks.

Her presence has me in a chokehold.

She’s here, inches away, safe and home. I’m no longer searching for her. No longer haunted by thoughts of never seeing her again.

I may not have her back in my arms, but having her here, despite the circumstances, is enough to keep my head in the game and my eyes on the prize.

“I started it.” I force my gaze to Leo. “I was out of line.”

His nostrils pulse as if sniffing for trickery. “Does that mean you didn’t have my breakfast poisoned?”

“It’s safe to eat.”

“Thank you.” He wastes no time, forking eggs down his gullet and speaking with his mouth full. “Thank you for the food, the clothes, the place to stay…everything.” He gestures around until he awkwardly lands on Frankie.

The shithead better not be thanking me for her.

A muscle bounces in his cheek as he stares at me.

“It’s no problem.” A vein throbs at my temple. “Just my sanity at stake here. It’s the least I can do.” I harden my voice. “Seriously, the least.”

The sound of laughter, soft and musical, snaps my attention to Frankie. A hand comes up to cover her mouth, unable to contain her amusement.

Fucking breathtaking.

“Sorry. It’s just…” Her eyes twinkle. “That was the most uncomfortable exchange I’ve ever heard, and I enjoyed it immensely.”

“Happy to entertain you, love.” Leo pulls out her chair and slides his plate toward her. “Eat.”

How easily he offers his meal to her. A meal he clearly savors.

It’s a painful reminder of how they survived the winter—rationing, scavenging, sharing the scraps between them, and building a bond I have no hope of breaking.

“I’m not eating your breakfast.” She pushes it back and glances at the door. “I’ll get…”

As if on cue, Oliver steps outside, and his gaze goes directly to her.

Just like that, all the coldness he reserves for me is gone. Nothing but tenderness in his eyes for Frankie.

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