Page 87 of Unbound

His jaw tightens. "And it was a mistake."

The words hit like a slap. I step back, putting distance between us, grateful for the wall at my back to keep me upright when my legs feel suddenly unsteady.

"Why? What is it you're not telling me?"

He runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. "There are things about me you don't know. Things that would put you in danger."

"So tell me."

"I can't." He shakes his head. "The less you know, the safer you are."

"That's not your decision to make."

"It is when my choices could get you killed." Raith turns away, pacing the length of the room. "This—whatever this is between us—it can't happen. Not now. Maybe not ever."

"Is this about Gareth?" I ask, gentler now. "About what happened to him?"

He stops, shoulders tensing. For a long moment, he doesn't speak. When he finally turns back to me, his expression is carefully controlled again, but I can see cracks in the mask.

"Partly," he admits, "but it's more complicated than that."

"Then help me understand."

"I'm here for a reason, Nessa. A purpose. Getting... distracted... isn't part of the plan."

"So I'm a distraction?"

"You're a complication."

I cross my arms, trying to ignore the lingering heat of his kiss. "And what exactly is this great purpose that I'm complicating?"

Raith sighs, running a hand over his face. "I don't want to hurt you."

"Then don't."

"It's not that simple."

"It could be." I take a step toward him. "Whatever you're hiding, whatever you're here for—I'm stronger than you think. And I'm already involved, whether you like it or not."

"You think I don't know you're strong, Nessa? You fucking flew in on an ancient water dragon and saved my ass when Serena and Malakai were about to kill me. You're the strongest person I know here. But that doesn't mean I'm going to drag you into my mess."

"Maybe I can help you. Maybe I want to be able to help you. You shouldn't have to face whatever it is all by yourself, Raith. You have to let someone in."

Something in my words seems to harden his resolve, wiping any hesitation from his face. "I did once. And now they're dead. I should go, Nessa." He moves toward the door, pausing with his hand on the handle.

"Raith—"

"Goodnight, Nessa."

The door closes behind him with quiet finality, leaving me alone in the suddenly too-large room. I touch my fingers to my lips, still warm from his kiss, and fight the urge to scream in frustration.

"That was... unexpected,"Typhon observes, making me feel suddenly awkward. It was so easy to forget he was there, watching and observing everything.

I glare at him."Were you watching the whole time?"

"Of course. Did you think I would leave you alone with him?"

"Maybe I wanted privacy."

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