Page 16 of Crimson Bond

“I hate to tell you this, bro, but that’s theonlyway to love someone,” Kannon said. “That’s why it wasn’t hard for me to give up on the whole thing and pledge myself to Imogen. I was in love once. She supposedly loved me too, but then my girl left me flat when she found out my paralysis was permanent. Never again, thank you.”

“It’s a good thing we’re both Bloodbound now. Neither of us ever has to bother with love again,” I said, and we bumped fists.

Outwardly, I was the picture of composure. Inside, I was shaken by how easily Kannon had seen through me—and how easily Abbi had pulled me back into her orbit.

But what I’d said to him was true. Ididn’twant to ever love anyone the way I’d loved Abbi.

Especially not Abbi. It hurt too much.

She’d moved on, and I’d moved past the need for that kind of thing in my life.

So why was I so filled with anticipation about our road trip together?

“Well, good luck with your mission,” Kannon said, grabbing the handle of the throne room door. “And Reece?”

“Yeah?”

“When it comes to Abbi... my momma always said the most painful thing you could do to your enemies was heap ‘burning coals of kindness’ on their heads. Think about it.”

With a wink, he opened the door and disappeared inside.

* * *

A few minutes later,the doors opened again, and Abbi emerged to find me smiling.

Because I had come up with the perfect punishment for her. I wouldn’t be a pain in her royal ass. I wouldn’t be cruel.

I would beamazing.

I’d be funny, charming, polite, and considerate. I’d heap bucketsful of burning-kindness-coals on her head and make her want me more than Ieverwanted her.

I would make her fall in love with me again.

And thenIwould breakherheart.

A tingling sensation spread from my head down to my chest and arms then my legs and feet. I shifted from one foot to the other, too filled with anticipation to stand still.

It wouldn’t technically be breaking my Bloodbound vows because I wouldn’t make love to Abbi... just... seduce her a little.

“Did someone just tell you a great joke or something?” Abbi asked.

I placed a hand lightly on the small of her back and steered her toward the cavern exit, still smiling. “No. I just saw Kannon. We had a good talk.”

“About?”

“Nothing much. Guy stuff.”

“But it made you happy?”

My grin stretched farther.Oh yeah.“Yes. It. Did.”

“Ooookay then.”

At her questioning tone and expression, I explained. “Look, I figured some things out when we were talking, okay? Come on, Abbi. I’d think you’d be happy to bid farewell to the cranky S.O.B. you found when you got here.”

“I am glad,” she said, still sounding unsure. “I mean, it would have been a long drive to Canada otherwise.”

“Exactly. As long as we’re traveling together, we might as well have a good time, right?”

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