Page 100 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

I roll my eyes at his dramatics. “Lorcan was hardly going to eat me.”

“Oh, you’re on a friendly basis now?” His eyebrows jump up. “He sure as hell looked ready to take a bite out of you when I came in.” The muscles in his cheek twitch. “And then he chased us!”

“Because you stormed in wearing your damn uniform and throwing daggers.” My anger bubbles up. If not for Tate, I would have answers by now.

“It is adamn uniformyou should be wearing instead of walking around in disguise.” He glares at me.

“Then I wouldn’t get any answers.” I bite down on my lip as soon as the words are out.

“What answers?” Tate leans toward me, his eyes alert.

“It’s personal.” I put aside the empty teacup.

“No answer is worth risking your life.” He holds my gaze, waiting for my consent, but I look away. All of thisisabout keeping me alive.

Will Lorcan talk to me if I manage to find him again? Will he honor our deal after this mess, or will he ask for something else as compensation?

“You’re angry with me for stopping him?” Tate’s voice sounds incredulous. He leans forward, getting in my face. “What the fuck were you hoping he would do? Fight you? Fuck you? Maybe even right there in front of everyone?” His voice brims with anger. “Please do enlighten me on why you thought getting close to a dragon was a good idea.” He is furious, and I don’t know what to feel.

I’m angry he ruined my chance at answers. I’m embarrassed he thinks I was looking for a hookup. And he willingly faceddown a dragon for me—yeah, I won’t even go there. My anger evaporates.

His face goes blank when I don’t say anything, wiping away all traces of anger and replacing it with indifference. I blink.

“I was clearly wrong then,” he says, his voice flat. “I’m sorry for ruining your evening.”

My chest tightens at the cold look he gives me. He has never looked at me like this before. It hurts. My eyes prickle, and I try not to blink to keep the tears from falling.

“Please stop,” I whisper. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m just trying… to survive.” My last two words are no more than a whisper.

He shifts closer, and my eyes snap to his. Concern replaces indifference. His gaze jumps between my eyes like he’s trying to read me.

He opens his mouth, but I cut in before he can get a word out.

“I’ve already said too much.” I shake my head. “Please don’t ask,” I plead because I want to tell him. I want nothing more than to throw myself into his arms, hide my face in the crook of his neck, and spill all my secrets.

It scares me, and it would be the biggest and maybe last mistake of my life. I look at the fire, biting my lip.

Tate comes closer, and I hold my breath. His thumb brushes my lower lip, tugging it free from my teeth. Sparks shoot through my body.

I close my eyes, my breath shaky when I release it. His palm is an exquisite caress sliding along my jaw, cupping my face. And I can’t resist. I lean into his touch, savoring how his thumb continues to trace my lips. The subtle rasp of his calloused pad against my lips makes my hair stand on end. I shiver. My tongue snakes out, and I taste the ocean on his skin.

He groans.

I have never felt so drawn to anyone. And before tonight, I didn’t doubt my attraction. But now…is it simply attraction or the curse…gift…whatever it is that pulls me to him?

“Look at me, Ara.” His voice is gravelly, his words whispering over my face, and it doesn’t matter anymore what pulls me in. All I can think of is how close he is.

Oh gods.

Heat pools in my gut.

My eyes fly open, following his command, and the same heat is burning in Tate’s eyes. His focus shifts to my lips, and he leans in even closer.

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

TATE

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