Page 32 of Fear the Flames
I want to be unbothered.
But I am most definitely bothered.
“It’s my treat,” he says, brushing his thumb over my hand before releasing it. My heart beats so rapidly that I wonder if he can hear it. Even if he can’t, my cheeks have a permanent flush to them. I’ve concluded that we need to get into another argument so I can reel in my hormones. He accepts the tart, and we leave the bakery with the others. The cool air feels lovely on my cheeks.
“The dress shop is around the block,” Saskia calls out through a mouth full of muffin. Cayden holds the pastry out to me, and I pluck half from his palm, secretly watching him from the corner of my eye to gauge his reaction. I hope he doesn’t hate it. His jaw flexes as he chews on the sweet flavors.
“Well?” I ask.
“I’m giving you a new title.”
“Oh?”
“Bane of my existence.” He licks his lips and taps his free hand against his jaw, appearing very contemplative. “And pastry advisor.”
“You like it?” A smile breaks out across my face.
The corner of his lips rises. “I do, angel.”
ChapterSixteen
Shopping with Saskia is like a fever dream. Finnian picked out a few patterns he liked and placed his order within the first hour we got here. Saskia won’t let me off the hook that easily, not that I mind. She has a keen eye for fashion and clearly knows what styles flatter me. She also placed an order for some new winter clothes after noticing some patterns and fabrics she liked. The boys are camped out on the couches at front of the store, probably grumbling about how long we’re taking.
“I promise just one last dress,” she says with an excited smile while holding a swatch of fabric.
“You said that for the past five dresses,” Ryder’s annoyed tone drifts from the front of the shop.
“Elowen and I are having fun. Go be annoyed somewhere else,” she scolds with one hand on her hip and the other pointing at a rack of clothes as if Ryder will materialize within the tulle. “You’ll practically live in sweaters when you come to the border, but you’ll need the dresses for political meetings and dinners. We’ll place orders for ball gowns as we need them.” We already sorted out an order of several dresses, heavily knit sweaters, fleece-lined leggings and pants, cloaks, boots, scarves, and undergarments because I wasn’t lying to Cayden. Ilovematching sets.
“The border?” My thoughts linger on the place she mentioned.
“That’s where the three of us spend most of our time. You’ll be there soon enough.” She hushes my next question by holding up a champagne-colored fabric in her hands. “This would look good on you.”
I place my hand on the fabric, lowering it so I can see her face again. “How about I pay for the stuff we already sorted out and get the testy trio to the tavern?”
“Yes!” Finnian and Ryder shout in tandem, Cayden’s voice doesn’t join the mix.
“What happened to solidarity?” Ryder scrutinizes in a hushed voice.
“I wasn’t aware that the two of you rehearsed the response,” Cayden fires back.
“So, youdowant to go to the tavern,” Ryder remarks.
“Obviously I want to go to the fucking tavern.” Cayden’s attempt to whisper is a failed attempt.
“You have no idea how nice it is to have a girl around,” Saskia sighs while throwing an arm around my shoulders and guiding me to the counter so I can settle my bill. The total at the bottom of the page nearly topples me over. I sign my name, even though every pen stroke riddles me with guilt, and place the money on the counter. The testy trio scramble to their feet as Saskia ushers us straight out of the shop.
“Quick, before they change their minds!” Ryder whisper-shouts to the pair.
Saskia rolls her eyes, but her lips turn down when she faces me, “Did I keep you there too long?”
“Don’t listen to them,” I brush a dismissive hand in the boy’s direction. “I had fun.” I mean it, and I mean it even more when a relieved smile spreads across her face. I don’t want to be unprepared or underdressed in comparison to others, and I’m honestly grateful for her guidance.
The tavern they want to go to really is directly across the street from the dress shop. We bypass the few drunks standing around high-top tables outside the tavern and walk through the dark brown door. The noise immediately pummels my senses; it’s so loud in here, given the mixture of a band, dancing, and people in general.
“Take the girls to a table. Finnian and I can grab drinks!” Ryder shouts to Cayden over the noise before heading toward the bar. Cayden places a hand on the small of my back and gently urges me forward. Saskia keeps her hand in mine so we don’t get separated by the people walking aimlessly without direction or caution.
Copper lanterns hang down from ceiling beams, high enough so people don’t hit their heads but low enough to illuminate the sea of dark wood tables of varying heights and sizes. It would be cozy in here if it wasn’t for the number of people occupying the space. Several patrons are playing or watching card games, placing bets on upcoming horse races and fights, but my favorite is the dancing taking place on the other side of the tavern. Couples intertwine, sway, and leap to a merry jig played by fiddles, drums, and pipes. There’s an upper floor, but Saskia guides us toward the back left of the tavern, where it’s slightly less populated. I can also hear a bit better back here. People throw smiles and bows in Cayden and Saskia’s direction as we pass.
