Page 21 of Turret

Chapter 8

My brow puckered at Quinn’s approach. Over the past few days he’d rarely bridged the distance between us while he guarded, and other than a few stolen conversations when we took our meals together, he otherwise paid me little attention beyond his duties…a fact that grew more torturous with each passing day the strange feelings battling in my heart raged, a war between my fear and my desires. With the ache that came from Quinn’s seeming indifference, I was beginning to realize which emotion was dangerously close to winning.

The walls that had been carefully guarding my heart crumbled with each step closer Quinn came, leaving me vulnerable to the pain I’d fought to protect myself from…even though I knew Quinn was the last man who would ever hurt me.

My gaze darted towards where Melina sat at the writing desk, immersed in writing another letter to Corbin; despite not having the opportunity of sending it, I knew writing him brought her comfort. She wasn’t paying any attention to us, giving Quinn and me the semblance of being alone, a thought that both thrilled me and riddled me with anxiety.

My attention returned to him. “What is it?” I stuttered, my voice shaking in rhythm with my frantically pounding heart.

He didn’t speak, simply paused in front of me and extended his hand. Mouth dry, I stared at his hand before peeking questioningly up at him. He smiled and wriggled his fingers, inviting me to take it.

My heart immediately flared as his fingers enclosed mine, causing more of the bricks of the fortress surrounding my heart to crack; a few more, and all the feelings I’d been suppressing would break free.

I expected Quinn to tug me to my feet, but he didn’t move. Instead he simply cradled my hand, gazing down at mine resting comfortably in his. His hold was gentle, as he always was in his devotion to me, yet firm, a testament to his belief in the strength I couldn’t quite see in myself.

He ran a thumb across my knuckles, causing a shudder of warmth to ripple over me. A deep look filled his gaze as he peered up at me. He slowly grinned, almost…mischievously. “Are you feeling well enough for an adventure, Gemma?”

I managed a nod. In truth I was a little tired and a piercing headache was beginning at my temples, but I’d go anywhere so long as it was with him; I’d missed his companionship these past several days.

Even after he helped me to my feet, he didn’t relinquish my hand. I analyzed the way he held it, trying to determine whether it was aprotectivehold or…something else. But one thing was certain: the longer he held it, the deeper the feelings my fears fought to keep back seeped into my heart; if Quinn held my hand much longer, I was certain they’d finally be victorious.

Silence reigned as we walked the corridors at my usual slow pace, but Quinn didn’t seem the least bit impatient. I studied his profile in search of the truth concerning his feelings, but his countenance betrayed no answers. While part of me missed when things had been simpler, overall I liked the way the dynamic between us was shifting…and hoped they’d only continue to progress.

Our changing relationship left me feeling surprisingly shy, but I gathered my resolve with a wavering breath. “I’m relieved you sought out my company. I was afraid you were avoiding me.” This wasn’t the topic I’d meant to bring up first, but it was the one that had weighed heaviest on my mind.

He slowed as he glanced down at me. “Never, Gemma. I just…it’s complicated.”

“Need it be?”

He sighed. “I wish it didn’t.” Before I could inquire further, he hastily changed the subject. “You’ve been rather pensive ever since our conversation in the herbal garden. I fear I distressed you when I expressed my desires for you to leave the tower. Is that what’s troubling you?”

I bit my lip, unsurprised the conversation had shifted to my well-being, even as my heart warmed that he’d noticed my melancholy; despite my fears, he wasn’t as indifferent as he pretended.

“That conversation isn’t what’s occupying my thoughts.” It was my feelings forhim, but that was the last thing I wanted to admit. Naturally, his careful observation noticed my growing blush and his concern deepened…as did his curiosity.

“I will allow you to keep your secrets…even though the wondering may cause me to go mad with curiosity.” He winked, a friendly gesture which melted away the lingering tension. No matter what happened, Quinn’s presence was steady and sure.

We resumed our stroll. Though the tower wasn’t very big, our route through the twisting corridors was unfamiliar and further than I usually walked.

“Where are you taking me?” I fought to keep my growing breathlessness from my voice; the last thing I wanted was to ruin time with Quinn by causing him to worry.

He cast a rather mischievous and almost boyish look over his shoulder. Quinn had always been handsome, but this emotion lit his features, causing my heart to give a rather urgent tug.

“It’s a surprise, Gemma.” He started to turn but paused mid-step to face me once more. “I know the thought of facing the unknown is difficult for you. Do you wish to continue?”

The anxiety that usually accompanied the thought was strangely absent, replaced instead by not only the warmth that came from being with Quinn but the thrill at the thought of an adventure. “I trust you.” It was enough.

He gave my hand a squeeze before resuming his guidance through the hallways, maintaining his slow pace so as not to tire me. I wasn’t sure where he was leading me—the tower had shifted the layout of its rooms since the last time I’d explored, and I couldn’t think of a location that would make Quinn this excited, especially within a tower he didn’t trust.

We turned a corner into a long, unknown corridor. His brow furrowed and he slowed to a stop. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

He didn’t answer, only continued to look around with a rather lost look.

“Have you forgotten the way?” The thought was surprising considering Quinn had always been good with directions, even in a place where they often changed.

“No, I—” He ventured a few steps forward, squinting at the doors despite there being plenty of light. “I know one of these leads to where I wish to take you, but which one…” He carefully took in all the doors lining the hallway. “We’ve passed three rooms.” His statement almost sounded like a question.

I glanced behind us and counted. “We have.”

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