Page 137 of Ashes

Of course, I wasn’t stupid. I knew about the depth of her love of the watchers so if I wanted her, I’d have to join her.

If they’d let us.

They will. We’ve seen it.

We haven’t really seen it. It’s another assumption. And didn’t I tell you to go away?

I got bored.

She’s awake.

I silenced the noise in my head and watched as Rinny’s eyelashes fluttered, her pretty eyes opening.

“Hey,” I said softly, reaching for her hand.

She stiffened for a moment before she relaxed.

“I-I had Cody get us something to eat. Are you hungry?”

She didn’t move, but she was here. Her eyes trailed over me, her brows crinkling and lips parting.

“Rinny?” I licked my lips. “You can talk to me. It’s me. It’s Seth.”

She sat up and winced, her hand slipping away from mine. I hated the distance. I’d hated the distance for years, but now that she was back, I hated that distance even more. I wanted her on my lap. At my side. In my arms. I didn’t fucking care. Just. . .withme.

I knew she wasn’t going to speak. Nothing had changed in that respect.

At least for the average person.

I tapped my head gently. “Here. Speak to me. I can hear you.”

She blinked at me for a moment before I heard her soft voice around me.

“Seth?”

I smiled at her. “Hey, Rinny. I’m sorry I was away.”

“I don’t understand. . .”

“It’s hard to explain,” I said, sliding closer to her. She jerked away and cuddled into herself.

I breathed out.

I knew she was afraid of me still. I couldn’t blame her after everything that had happened over the years.

And that fucking shovel.

I kept it. The shovel.

Fuck off. Seriously. Not now.

I loved him, but he pissed me off too.

“I want to explain it to you. I just. . . can’t. Not right now. It has to happen a certain way. That’s what I’ve learned over the years. It’s dangerous to tempt fate.” I offered her a shaky smile.

All was silent.

I cleared my throat.

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