Page 10 of Of Blooming Embers
“Indeed. Thank you,” I replied, bowing my head in his direction, and moving toward the stacks near the curling staircases in the back.
Because you know that’s where she likely is.
Damn me to the Murk.
As I admonished myself, the sunbeams glinted, and a glimmer of flame-colored hues caught my attention. Seryn wandered out from behind a row of shelves, her hand tracing over the words in an open tome before sitting at her favorite table.
I froze, seriously considering diving into an aisle, but before I could take the leap, she lifted her head and sucked in a quick intake of air.
Eyes narrowing, her jaw turned to stone, and she dipped her head toward her book again, shifting her body away from me. Against my better judgment, I shuffled over to her, resting my hand on the back of the chair opposite her.
Patiently, I waited until she looked up with a quirked brow. “Yes?” Just a hint of curiosity laced with her annoyance.
My pulse throbbed under my jawline. “May I?”
“Do as you please,” she murmured.
I wish I could.
Situating myself across from her, I feigned interest in another novel on the table, but studied her from under my lashes. She was reading her favorite book again … the one she always found every Dormancy without fail—a written history about the Ancients.
The corners of my mouth tipped, and I set my volume aside. “Learning anything interesting?”
She sighed, her gaze remaining on the book. “As much as I can.”
I leaned forward. “Such as?”
What are you doing, you imbecile?
She turned another page. “Gavrel, is there anything I can help you with, or are you bothering me for a reason?”
Because I can’t fucking stay away from you.
“Ah, no reason. I … I wanted to see how you were doing.”
“Fine, thank you,” she murmured.
“Er, well. I’m glad to hear it.”
She snapped the book closed, color gliding over her cheeks. “Well, I’m glad you’re glad to hear it. If you’ll excuse me.” She stood and marched away from me, down an aisle.
And, of course, I followed because I was a fool. Because seeing her was theonly thing that brought me any peace. She stretched onto her tiptoes as she tried to put the book in its place, and I reached over her, helping the volume slide into its spot.
A little gasp slipped from her as my fingers met the back of hers. She pulled her hand away from mine and spun around, her spinepushinginto the shelves.
My heart tripped over itself; her nearness almost brought me to my knees. Instead, I stepped back, fisting my hands at my sides as my gaze swept over her delicate features.
Even when she was glowering at me, I wanted her. My molars were going to crack if I clenched them any tighter.
Don’t do it.
I shifted closer, and she lifted her chin. She was magnificent. My fingers twitched, and before I realized what I was doing, they slipped a curling strand behind her ear.
Her breath caught in her throat, and my fingertips froze at the edge of her jaw. My skin hummed at the contact, and her eyes crushed closed as if my touch caused her pain.
“Seryn, I?—”
“What atouchingmoment. Do let me play.” Ice skittered up my nape, and I snatched my hand away from Seryn as if I’d been burned. Eyes snapping toward the intruder, Seryn’s shoulders wilted.
