Page 103 of Wickedly Yours

He cupped my cheek. “You don’t have to say it back. I just needed you to know.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

But if he loved me, why did it feel like he was slowly slipping away from me?

Normally, the food here was incredible. But tonight, something on the table smelled rancid. I couldn’t tell what it was, but my stomach wasn’t tolerating it. Covering my mouth and nose with my hand, I did my best not to breathe too deeply.

“I’m so sorry,” I announced, standing up without preamble, giving a small nod to those sitting around us. “I’m not feeling well, so I think I’m going to retire early.” Pasting a fake smile on my face, I bid them all a good night.

Zain frowned, grabbing my hand. “Want me to come with you?”

I shook my head. “No. I’ll be fine. Just stay here.” I brushed my hand over his shoulder. Leaning down, I pressed a kiss to his cheek.

“I won’t be too long,” he promised, thoughI waved him off. Even if he didn’t enjoy it, when he was schmoozing, sometimes he would lose track of time for hours.

I didn’t mind as long as I was away from thesmell.

Pulling the door open, I headed towards my room, wishing I had Willow here to give me advice. Suddenly, I was feeling so alone.

Talon followed behind me all the way back to my rooms. Ever the loyal guard dog.

“I want to be alone,” I announced when we were in front of my door.

“Of course.” He dipped his head.

“Thank you,” I whispered back before slipping into my room.

I let myself sag against the door for only a moment before seeking out Selene. I might not have been able to hug my sister, but at least I could snuggle with my familiar. At least she always seemed to understand what I was feeling.

I needed something to calm my stomach. Grabbing the pillow off Zain’s bed, I inhaled deeply. It smelled like him, that scent helping to settle my nerves.

Sliding on top of the covers, I sat upright and thought about everything he’d said last night as I cradled his pillow in my arms.Why hadn’t I said it back?

I was scared. Scared to admit how attached to him I was. Even now, his scent was the only thing that could calm my racing heart. Scared that he was slipping away from me, and even love wouldn’t save us.

“Luna?” Novalie repeated, like she’d been calling for me for some time.

“Huh?” I turned, toying with the pendant around my neck.

“How are you feeling?”

I wished everyone would stop asking.

“Fine,” I said through a yawn. “Just a little tired.”

Luckily, the nausea had abated some, though my worry had not. I hadn’t been able to stop worrying about Zain. It was taking a toll on my body. I’d thought I was starting my period, but there had been no more blood today, so I couldn’t even blame it on that.

Novalie hummed, moving around the room and dusting. “Would you like me to help you get undressed?”

Frowning, I looked down at the gown I was still wearing from tonight’s banquet, before looking back out the window.

It would be winter now in Pleasant Grove. Had the first snow of the season happened yet? We were well into December now. I always loved the winter, when icicles hung from the eaves of our house and the snow glittered in the sun. But the demon realm was the same as when I’d gotten here, hardly even a slight nip to the air.

“Maybe later,” I mumbled, adjusting the pillow.

“My lady, forgive me for asking, but…” She hesitated, like she knew she was overstepping, but couldn’t help but ask. “Are you…” Novalie trailed off.

“Am I?” I looked up at her, and then my cheeks warmed. “Oh. I?—”

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