Page 38 of Queen of Wrath

My eyes overflowed with hot tears.

My knees felt weak, and I stumbled back into the stone wall behind one of the shops.

I sank to the floor and sobbed silently into my hand.

My entire body ached with sorrow, but none worse than my heart.

Even after all this time, he’s never given up on me…

And to have found out about the depths of his affection for me now, now when it was much too late, was undeniably gut-wrenching.

“Zane… I’m so sorry.”

14

LEA

“Great work today everyone. I know we had a lot of meetings to get through, but you managed to stick it out. I'm going to dismiss you all early so that you have time to get ready for the festival. I hope to see everyone there. Or not. It's important that you attend and remember that you are representing the Ransom Company. Please be on your best behavior, and don't draw any unsavory attention,” Jax explained to his slew of assistants who stood next to me, including the new girl who had only begun a few days ago.

That's right, I totally forgot about the Lunair Goddess Festival! I think it'll be best if I sit this one out, though.

Everyone thanked Jax before filing out of his office.

I tried to follow behind them but Jax had other plans. “Miss Mirth, can you stay back for a second?”

Damn.

I turned, forcing a smile across my face. “Of course, what can I help you?—?”

He launched out of his chair and marched over to me, catching me completely off guard. And even more so when he grabbed onto my hips and looked me in the eyes. Through it all, I stood surprisingly still even though I would much rather have preferred to scratch his eyes out.

“How are you feeling? Did you recover fully? I have more medicine if you need it.”

I hadn't expected this, his sudden closeness churned my stomach. But I had to keep playing the part.

I swept my fingers through my hair, smoothing it behind an ear, and smiled. “I'm fine, really. Thank you for taking such good care of me. I know I caused you a lot of trouble.”

“Don't worry about it. I imagine you'll prove very useful to me in the future. I couldn't afford to lose you.” His fingers grazed up my face until his palm cupped my jaw. He pressed his body against mine and I could feel the swell of excitement within him. “Tell me, why were you down there in the first place? I saved your life. I think I at least deserve an explanation.”

Cold sweat dripped down my spine as I was caught off guard by his questioning. “I sensed strange magic coming from the closet and went to investigate.”

“I see, and why would you do that?” He urged for more information.

Keep a cool head or else he’ll suspect me, and everything would have been for nothing.

“Because… I was worried another potion company was spying on us, or trying to steal your ideas. I thought for sure that the magic door would lead me to the culprits. I thought I could discover who they were…to protect you. I didn’t ever think it would lead me to somewhere else within this company, and that you knew about it… I’m sorry,” I breathed, fluttering my lashes down to appear as innocent as possible.”

Does he believe me? What do I do if he doesn’t?

“You were that worried about me that you would step through an enchantment without knowing where it would take you?” His voice was soft, almost a whisper.

I snapped my head up, confused. Did it really work?

“Of course I would. You’re my employer?—”

Without warning, he pressed his lips to mine before I could finish my sentence. His hand snaked around my waist, pulling me closer against him, and my stomach curled up into knots.

No! I don’t want this!

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