Page 37 of The Prince from a Cruel Summer
They look good together.
I lay down on the blanket, using my arm as a pillow, and force myself to concentrate on Elio, unwilling to waste one more second thinking about Aidan. Him and his damn beautiful back have clearly moved on to bloodier pastures.
Elio is still watching me, marking the page of his book with one finger. The cover showcases black and white piano notes.
“Do you play?” I ask.
“Only all the time,” he grins. “Why?”
“I…sing.”
He sits up and tucks the book in his lap. “Then I want to hear.”
My mouth dries up. “Right now?”
His expectant smile widens.
“Later, alright? If you accompany me on the piano.”
“You have a deal.”
A brief pause lingers in the air before Elio averts his gaze and starts pulling at the green grass beside the blanket. “So… I heard something about you. I don’t want you to say anything, but I thought you should know Zeke is telling everyone you’re saving yourself for marriage.”
I choose my next words carefully. “Yes, I already know.”
A slight tremor rocks his voice. “One way or another, I believe it’s not a badge of honor—or anyone’s business. In fact, I wish I could have waited, but my father wouldn’t tolerate his sons being naive about such things…”
I bite the inside of my cheeks for a minute. I trust Elio. Maybe this is the opportunity to test that trust. If I’m wrong, at least I’ll know.
“I’m not, though.” The corner of my mouth quirks. “A virgin.”
His ice-blue eyes narrow, and a hint of a smile appears on his lips. “You’re not? But how did you phrase it with Zeke?”
“I told him my father wanted me to remain a virgin until marriage. He implied the rest.” I chuckle softly.
Elio lets out a low whistle. “Oh… You’re good.”
I bow my head and spread my arms in a mock curtsy. “Thank you.”
“I hope you know your secret is safe with me.” With a genuine smile, he sinks back into his previous position, legs crossed at the ankles, and returns to his reading.
The tree bristles at a sudden burst of wind, and the soft leaves brush my cheek. I swat the low-hanging branches away, but another crawls down my shoulder to nudge my side.
“By the spindle?—”
I risk a glance at the pond beneath my oversized sunglasses. Aidan throws me a discreet look from the shallows before resuming his ball game. The loose grin playing on his lips confirms he’s the one moving the tree, and my breath hitches as a big leaf curls around itself to caress my neck.
I disentangle myself from the plant, my heart racing.
While I was wrestling with the tree, Ezra climbed up the hill and now stands right above us, shaking his head to splash us. “Good day for a swim, wouldn’t you agree, Lady Snow?” He offers me his hand.
Elio flips the page of his book with a tired sigh. “She doesn’t want to swim, Ezra. Leave her alone.”
“Tut-tut, kid. Let the lady speak for herself.” He raises his hand by an inch, and his features fall as I hesitate.
“I don’t know how to swim,” I admit.
Ezra’s intent gaze softens, and he lets out a short, somewhat relieved breath. “Oh, that won’t do.” He spins around. “Aidan! Come here!”
