Page 67 of Crimson Born

“No more backrubs,” he said in a voice that sounded like it was on the verge of pain.

I took a step toward him. “But why? Reece, it’s okay. You’re not—”

“I’m sorry, Abbi. I don’t... feel that way about you.”

He spun and left the room, closing the door firmly behind him.

All the pent-up energy left my body, and I sagged in sudden exhaustion.

27

The Maze

Over the next few days, Reece kept his distance, claiming his final few Bloodbound trials would require all his time and attention.

I don’t feel that way about you.

The words lived in my head, playing in an endless loop whenever I wasn’t actively engaged in conversation with someone. Every time I relived his rejection, it released a fresh flow of pain.

What kind of fool kept pursuing a guy who wasn’t interested in her?

I almost went to Kannon and asked him to assign me a new bodyguard, but then I saw the Bloodbound at another of Imogen’s full-community gatherings in the Grand Dome.

No one was executed this time—thank God—but it was still a nerve-wracking experience.

My gaze went to Reece again and again. And every time it did,hewas watchingme.

After the event, as I was chatting with Nolan, one of the newer vampires who’d been in my self-defense class, Reece appeared at my side.

“Princess,” he said with a curt nod. “My testing is complete, and I’m available to escort you on your nightly walk now.”

“Oh really?” I said, shocked. “I wasn’t planning to take a walk this evening.”

There were only two more nights until the Inception Ceremony. Tomorrow night, on the ceremony’s eve, there would be a ball in celebration. I’d beenplanningto spend tonight being fitted for a gown.

But something in Reece’s eyes made me reconsider. It was a sense of... what? Urgency?

Desperation?

Wasthere still a chance for us? A chance I could convince him not to take the Bloodbound vows?

Was he finally ready to level with me and tell me what he was thinking and feeling?

“I have some things to take care of, but Ihavebeen wanting to explore the garden maze.” I smiled at my companion and then at Reece. “I’ll meet you at the cavern entrance in an hour.”

I rushed through the fitting, no doubt annoying the seamstress, and growing more hopeful by the minute.

But as Reece and I left the cavern together and walked toward the tall, green walls of the natural botanical maze, he was as stoic as ever.

“How did the trials go?” I asked to get some conversation started.

“Fine. They’re over,” he grunted. “I passed.”

His stubborn expression was so fierce it was almost comical. But we had no more time for fun and games. If I was going to persuade him to leave, I had to do it—tonight.

We walked the perimeter of the maze, searching for its entrance, and I searched for an opening of my own, a way to get him talking about a subject he’d already declared closed.

“You don’t seem very excited,” I said.

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