Page 25 of Heatbound Hearts

I feel a mix of relief and renewed concern. While I'm glad to hear Naia is safe and happy, Bronwyn's question stirs something deep within me. What has she endured that makes her so wary? The thought of anyone mistreating her sends a surge of anger through me, my wings twitching with the desire to wrap around her protectively.

I steal a glance back at Bronwyn. Her face is a mask of relief at Naia's words, but I can see the shadows of past pain in her eyes. It makes me want to know more about her world, about the hardships she's faced. More than that, it makes me want to show her that not all relationships are something to fear.

I'm suddenly jolted from my thoughts as Naia's playful voice carries through the air.

"So, Bronwyn," Naia teases, her tone light and mischievous, "I've noticed you can't seem to take your eyes off our winged friend here."

My heart skips a beat, and I feel a rush of heat creep up my neck. I keep my gaze fixed ahead, pretending not to hear, but my ears are straining to catch every word.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Bronwyn stammers, but there's a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

I'm not sure how to take that.

Naia laughs, a bright, tinkling sound. "Oh, come on! The way you two look at each other when you think no one's watching? It's obvious there's something there."

I risk a glance back, catching Bronwyn's eye for a brief moment. Her cheeks are flushed, and she quickly looks away, but not before I see the small smile tugging at her lips.

"Well..." Bronwyn starts, her voice soft and uncertain. "He is... intriguing."

My breath catches in my throat. Intriguing? Is that good? I find myself hanging on her every word, desperate to hear more.

"Just intriguing?" Naia presses, and I can hear the grin in her voice.

There's a pause, and I swear I can feel the tension in the air. Then, Bronwyn speaks again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay, fine. He's... he's handsome. And kind. I've never met anyone like him."

A warmth blooms in my chest, spreading through my entire body. I can't help the smile that breaks across my face, my wings fluttering slightly with excitement.

Maybe, just maybe, this incredible woman feels the same way I do. The possibility is both thrilling and terrifying, but for the first time in my long life, I feel like I've found something truly special.

I'm jolted from my thoughts by a sharp elbow to my ribs. Turning, I catch Kairos grinning at me, his silver eyes glinting with mischief.

"Eavesdropping, are we?" he asks, his voice low enough that only I can hear.

I scoff, trying to maintain my composure. "Of course not. We were having a conversation, weren't we?"

Kairos chuckles, shaking his head. "Nice try, but I know you weren't listening to a word I said. Your ears have been pricked back the entire time."

Heat creeps up my neck, and I resist the urge to flatten my traitorous ears against my head. Kairos leans in closer, his voice dropping even lower.

"You know, humans are some of the most compelling creatures I've ever met," he says, his tone thoughtful. "I wouldn't blame you for being so interested in Bronwyn."

I swallow hard, caught between denial and the desire to confide in someone. "Is it that obvious?" I finally ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kairos nods, a knowing smile on his face. "To anyone paying attention? Absolutely."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "How long did it take you?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me. "To come to care for Naia, I mean."

Kairos's expression softens, his gaze drifting back to where Naia walks with Bronwyn. "The second I laid eyes on her," he admits, his voice filled with a tenderness I never expected to hear from a demon.

His words resonate deep within me, and I find myself nodding. "Yeah," I breathe, stealing another glance at Bronwyn. "I know exactly what you mean."

14

BRONWYN

Ican't sleep. The soft rustle of leaves and the gentle chirping of unfamiliar nocturnal creatures keep my senses on high alert. It's not danger that keeps me awake, but out of habit. I don't know what it's like to relax.

I sit up, careful not to disturb the others, and make my way to the dying embers of our campfire. The warm glow casts flickering shadows across the clearing. I hug my knees to my chest, lost in thought, when a soft rustling catches my attention.

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