Page 125 of Ruling Destiny

“But from the very start,” I say, hoping he’ll hear me, desperately needing him to believe me, “it was clear that Killianisn’tyou. He doesn’t even come close.” I pause, swallow past the sob in my throat. “And, well, what I need you to know is that despite how angry I felt, there was no denying that it wasn’t Killian’s kiss that I wanted.”

Braxton drags in a breath, his gaze never once leaving mine.

“It wasyourkiss that I longed for.” My throat squeezes tight, but I force the words past. “Even in my darkest moment, when I was sure you’d shattered my heart, there was still only you.”

After a few silent beats, Braxton says, “Thank you for your honesty.”

“Always,” I tell him. “From here on out, I give you my promise if you’ll do the same.”

“You have my word.” He nods. Then the two of us come together, sealing our vow with a kiss.

When I draw away, I say, “Do you ever wonder if Arthur is…I don’t know, maybe somehow manipulating us, or…” My voice fades, unsure exactly where I’m going with this.

“You mean by sending Killian in my place when he promised it to me?” Braxton says, putting words to my unformed thoughts.

I shrug. “For starters, yeah.”

“I wouldn’t put it past him.” He frowns. “I’m not sure it’s in his best interest to have two Timekeepers working together. If you think about it, the whole culture at Gray Wolf is one of distrust and paranoia, which keeps us from—”

“Being honest, open, and truthful with one another.” I shake my head sadly.

“At least we’re past that,” he says, planting a kiss on my forehead.

And I’m just about to return the kiss when I notice he’s already soaked through the bandage I secured at his head. “You need to go to Medical,” I say. “And I’m not taking no for an answer.”

“On one condition.” He pulls me back to him.

I press closer, gazing into his impossibly beautiful face.

“Whatever you’re cooking up in your head, you won’t act on it until I’m well enough to help you.”

“What makes you think I’m cooking up anything?” I ask.

Braxton looks at me. “Because you have the world’s worst poker face. So do you promise?”

I remember what Mason said about theSalvator Mundi, how those crossed fingers could be interpreted in multiple ways.

But when I cross mine, it only means one thing: I’m about to tell Braxton yet another lie. Only this time, I sincerely hope it’s my last.

I nod, grin, then tip onto my toes and find his lips once again.

His kiss is sweet and warm, and I linger there much longer than I should, determined to memorize the feel of him, the taste of him, in hopes I can carry it with me where I plan to go next.

77

While Braxton is in Medical, I retrieve a few things from my room. By the time I return to get him, he has a handful of stitches at the back of his head, a fresh bandage on his neck, and, having been cleared of any risk of concussion, he’s under strict orders to rest.

“Are you coming inside?” he asks, pressing his thumb to the keypad.

I shoot him a playful glance. “Pretty sure that’s not what the doctor meant when she ordered you to bed.”

He reaches for my hand, entwining his fingers with mine. “I’ll rest a lot easier knowing you’re by my side.”

We head into his bedroom, where he strips down to a T-shirt and boxers. Then we crawl under the covers, and with my body curled around his, Braxton falls asleep within seconds.

Still, I wait a bit longer just to make sure, then I slip out of bed, go in search of some paper and a pen, then drop onto his soft leather couch and write him a note revealing the truth I’ve held back until now.

Because while I promised Braxton I’d wait until he was better to act on my plan, that was never my intention. And at the very least, he deserves an explanation.

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