Page 100 of Possession

“Aris made Ryan leave us alone?” I ask.

Henry nods. “Far as I could tell, Ryan was pretty much dismissed. He wasn’t privy to Aris’ plans.”

“And you are?” I ask, then realize, after a beat, that the question is something like an accusation.

Henry studies me, then smiles. “You want to know more about what happened during the month you were gone.”

“Yes.” It’s all I’ve wanted.

“Tell the truth, there wasn’t much.”

I wait for him to say more, but Henry just rubs his hands together, as if suddenly also feeling the cold. He stands to fetch a blanket from his bed, settling one over my shoulders. “Are you warm enough?” he asks.

I nod, then smile, struck by his consideration, and his eyes flit to my lips.

“Aris told me how you feel about me,” Henry says softly.

“Wait, what?” For a few moments, all I do is scoff, and it comes out like I’m half-laughing, half-confused. “Whatever he told you, that’s—it’s not true.” His words settle over me anew. “Wait, what did he tell you?”

“That you find me handsome.” His eyes pin me in place, and it takes genuine effort to force my gaze on the ground; my embarrassment helps. “That isn’t true? I thought Aris doesn’t lie.”

“He does sometimes,” I mutter, wishing that the floor would swallow me whole.

I can’t believe this. What a rat! Why did he do that?

Then, why am I surprised? Isn’t this exactly something he’d do? He probably found it funny. Just another way to stir the pot.

I guess I just thought… He knew that it was personal, a secret.

I quickly run through my options. I could continue to deny what Aris said, but my reaction pretty much gave me away. I could admit to my crush, but that feels impossible—not to mention utterly humiliating. Frustrated tears gather in my eyes, angry I’ve been put in this situation—angry that Henry knew for so long and just now decided to say something.

Was this why he avoided me? Was it borderline impossible to talk to me without bursting into laughter?

“It’s not true,” I say.

“Mary, please look at me,” he says softly.

“No.” I even shut my eyes as my heart beats and breaks in my chest. This isn’t happening—it just can’t be.

Henry is… all I have. I can’t lose him.

Chilled fingers brush my cheek. He feels electric, alive against me. My entire body preens at his touch, leaning into his hand. “Look at me,” Henry says.

I am not a coward. I am not weak. I am not everything Aris said that I am.

Taking a deep breath, I open my eyes to see Henry squatting before me, much closer than I expected. “What?” I ask.

“I feel the same way,” he tells me with his eyes fixed on my own, expression completely serious.

“What…?” I whisper, as he leans forward to kiss me.

It’s a light brush at first, made awkward from my lack of understanding. I part my lips to ask what’s happening, forgetting he’s attached, and Henry takes that as an invitation, deepening the kiss. He stands, pushing me further onto my chair as his legs press into me.

I’m so shocked that I’m hardly participating. It’s difficult to tell my lips to move while overwhelmed with the thought that Henry is kissing me. This is my first kiss, and I’m having it with Henry.

Eventually, he pulls back and rests his forehead against my own. “Does that clear things up?” he asks.

“Yes,” I breathe, still stunned.

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