Page 52 of Cinder's Trial

“I can handle disappointment,” he drawled.

“I’d rather you didn’t have to.”

Seeing them argue, I had a simple solution. “I agree to your terms.”

“No, you don’t. This is an unreasonable request.” Levi’s head swiveled as he frowned in my direction.

“Not really because I have no intention of hurting you.”

“Who says you could?” his harsh reply.

Nicola’s head bobbed between us. “Perhaps I was mistaken. I was under the impression you cared for the girl.”

“It’s just sex,” I exclaimed, only to blush. “I would never presume to think Levi felt anything more.” Even if I did.

“Just sex?” For some reason, his glower returned stronger than before.

“I’m aware I’m not your usual type and that we’re complete opposites. I mean you’re fearless and strong, while I’m not. You probably want a partner in life who’s a warrior like you. Who squishes the spiders instead of befriending them. I am fully aware that what we have now, while immensely pleasurable, most likely won’t last.” My lips turned down. “If anyone’s heart will be broken, it’s mine.”

I thought his eyes would pop out of his head. “You think I’ll ditch you?”

“You don’t have to pretend. Hannah said you’re not the type to want a relationship.”

“Hannah can suck it. She doesn’t know how I feel or what I want.”

“What do you want?” I asked, point blank.

“You.” A simple word and my heart almost burst.

“But we’re so different.” I couldn’t have said why I felt a need to argue.

“And?”

I couldn’t help but smile as I rose from the chair and took a step in his direction. “Do you really think we could make it work?”

“I’m not afraid to try.”

“This might be the one time in my life where I can find the courage to forge into the unknown.” Because I had a strong feeling loving Levi would be worth it.

He closed the distance between us and clasped my hands. “This will be a journey we take together, without interference or threats.” The last he directed at Nicola.

His adoptive/kidnapping mother smiled. “Well, this has been enlightening. In light of the facts, Cinder is free to go.”

“Without restriction,” Levi commanded. “I won’t have her coerced into feeling things for me that aren’t real.”

“Yes, yes.” Nicola waved her hand. “If this is what you wish, then I guess I can only give my blessing. Although, if you do hurt my son”—her voice lowered—“there won’t be a lake or a pond or even a bathtub that will hide you from my wrath.”

“Mother!” His tone held warning, but I grinned.

“I promise to do my best to make him happy for as long as he’ll have me.”

“Be careful what you vow, princess. What if I want forever?” his low rumbled murmur.

I glanced at him and meant it when I said, “It might just be long enough.”

His fierce kiss stole my breath and tingled me head to toe and was sadly interrupted by his pseudo-mother clapping.

“I cannot wait to meet my grandbabies,” Nicola exclaimed.

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