Page 136 of Blue Arrow Island
I strap on my weapons, grab a stun stick already set to respond to my thumbprint, drink some water and refill my canteen. By the time I set off, I’m about to boil over.
That won’t work once my aromium is on. I can’t have vines choking the life out of Marcus, no matter how angry I am.
Deep breathing it is. I reframe Marcus’s decision in my mind. It’s careless and self-destructive, but that’s not how he sees it. He’s stubborn to the point of defiance, and he’s in charge here, so he’s used to his word being the final one.
I’m calmer by the time I reach him. He’s somehow glowering at me and arching an amused brow at the same time.
“Morning, sunshine.”
Stella is waiting with him. She avoids eye contact with me as she quickly activates my aromium and power walks back toward camp.
Smart. She doesn’t want to get caught in the middle of a dustup between me and Marcus.
I sigh, reminding myself to stay cool. “Morning, stubborn asshole. All set to go?”
His expression darkens. “Oh, I’m the asshole? I had to search the fucking camp for you last night when you didn’t come to bed.”
“Did youhaveto though?” I exhale long and slow, making myself stay as calm as I can.
He stalks toward me, getting so close I can feel the heat of his body towering over me. “I was puking my guts out and looking everywhere for you, and you’re flippant about it?”
My pulse pounds; not because I fear him, but because I want him. Aromium is clouding my judgment and emotions.
“You won’t listen to me about the aromium.” I hate the way my voice catches. “You don’t trust me to search without you overseeing me.”
He shakes his head, a storm raging in his eyes. “I trust you with my life. I just want to protect you.”
“I want to protect you, too. But you won’t let me.”
He shakes his head and looks away. “I don’t deserve your protection.”
I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. “I can’t do this right now. Not with the aromium on. Unless you want to risk vines cutting off circulation from your dick until it falls off.”
“I’d prefer to keep my dick attached.”
“Then let’s go.”
“Next time you’re too pissed to come home, can you at least send someone with a message?”
“I didn’t do it on purpose. I fell asleep in the chair by Olin’s bed.”
The muscle in his jaw tics with annoyance. “Oh, I know. Took me more than an hour to find you there.”
“What’s with the tone?”
“Who is this guy to you?”
I roll my eyes, my jaw dropping. “Are you serious? He’s my friend. He saved my life.”
“Can you blame me for asking?”
“Yes. I can and I do. If you haven’t noticed, I sleep inyourbed every night. When you’re not being an obstinate dickhead ... I like you.”
He narrows his eyes. “It’s a little deeper for me than that, and I don’t share.”
I’m horrified by the way my nipples harden, a tingling sensation farther down signaling I’m wet over not just his feelings for me, but also his possessiveness. I’ve never been one of those women.
“He’s just a friend. You know how I feel about you. Do you honestly think I could have you and then want anyone else?”
