Page 21 of Cruelly Fated
I smirked. Couldn’t help it. “I’d like to hold you,” I said plainly. “Looks like you could use it. Lean on someone, even if just for a moment.”
She tilted her head, tiny nose scrunching up as if she couldn’t decide whether to scoff or melt. Fae gods, she was adorable when she made that face. The vein in my neck throbbed as I watched her, hunger and restraint warring in every line of my body. If the gods had any mercy left in them, they’d tear down this fence right now—and I’d drop to my knees for her.
“You like to…hug…strangers?” she asked.
Hell, no.I nearly barked a laugh, but something told me that would send her skittering. So I bit my tongue and gave her a slow and tight wink.
“Don’t tell anyone,” I whispered.
She giggled—a soft, surprised sound that shot straight through my chest and detonated low, way too low.
I was so royallyfuuucked.
She slapped a hand over her mouth like she could shove the sound back in, eyes wide with mock horror.Oh no, sweet girl, don’t hide that. Gods, I’d give anything to bottle that laugh and pour it over me like holy fire.
I held my breath, waiting. She called the shots today, even if she didn’t know it. She could walk away, and I’d still protect her grandfather. No question. No expiration.
After what I did in the cafeteria, no one dared to test my claim over Old Pete. But I’d remind them from time to time—stretch my claws, crack a few knuckles. Practice makes perfect.
“O-kay,” she breathed. Her voice wrapped around me like a balm—soothing the raw, restless edge the dragon kept scraping against.
She slid her sunglasses up onto her head, revealing those eyes. Violet, rimmed red. My stomach twisted. No makeup today—nothing to hide behind—and damn if she didn’t look more stunning than ever. Real. Raw. Mine. My throat worked around a knot, and I said nothing. There were no words worthy.
That impossible violet swirled like smoke in candlelight—and then she was there. Inside my vision. At my side. I pushed off the fence and looked down at her, drinking her in. She met my stare with something like a dare, a soft, shy smile touching her full lips.
“So…how do you like to…hug?” she asked.
The dragon rumbled at the sound, claws flexing beneath my skin. I reached behind her and caught her braid, drawing it slowly between us like a tether. She arched a brow, gaze flicking to my hand. A pink flush climbed her cheeks. The dragon noted her every reaction.
I coiled the glossy strands around my fingers, silk spun from dusk. I gave it a gentle tug, testing her. She peered at me from underneath a fan of curly eyelashes, her cheeks still blooming with color and so suiting her.
I growled low under my breath, barely containing the urge to yank her closer.Thatwas how I liked to hug. But that’s not what I promised or what she needed today.
“Do you like to touch hair too?” she asked, one corner of her mouth twitching in that way that made me certain this little demon found me funny. Or maybe she knew exactly what she was doing. I quirked a brow. Normally I didn’t tolerate teasing, not even a flicker. But her? I’d let her get away with murder.
“Only yours,” I murmured, voice low and meant for her ears alone. Her gaze dropped, lashes casting shadows on her cheeks. “Now…will you tell me what’s gotten you so upset?”
Her brows pulled together like storm clouds. “No,” she said softly. “It doesn’t concern you. And it’s not part of our deal.”
“The deal,” I echoed, grinding my jaw. Her answer didn’t sit right. Not one damn bit. “Well, then…”
Before I could finish, she stepped in, slipping her arms around my waist. Then she pressed her head against my chestlike it was the most natural thing in the world. My breath caught. I stood there, useless, with arms at my sides. Shit. Why did I think this was a good idea? I didn’t hug. I sure as hell didn’t hold.
She started to pull away, sensing my hesitation.
“No,” I said, wrapping my arms around her, firm and protective. “Not yet,” I whispered. The dragon inhaled her scent. Same as before, sweet peaches and cream, but it hit harder now, headier, like sunshine poured over summer skin.
“I’m not used to…” I paused, unsure how to saythis is the first time I’ve held something that didn’t feel like a weapon. Great. Now she’d think I was an antisocial lunatic. And she’d be half right about the lunatic part.
Instead of answering, she sank deeper into my chest. Her fingers tried to reach each other behind my back, but I was too bulky. She gave up with a tiny huff, and I had to bite down on a grin.
Besides not being able to wrap her arms fully, she fit into me like she was made to.
I shut my eyes, tuning into all my senses. The press of her body. The way her warmth radiated into my skin…
And then it all faded.
My eyes flew open. I stood at the fence again, arms resting overhead where we started, the prison yard stretching silent around me. The scent of peaches still lingered, like a dream refusing to let go.
