Page 102 of Beneath the Flames
My focus should have been on accomplishing these tasks, breaking the curse, and going home to my family.But something about Rhydian had all my desires scrambling around in my head until I was consumed with thoughts of him.I needed to know where this could go.
I opened my mouth to say as much, but my hesitation must have been too long, because Rhydian’s face shuttered and he retreated another step.
“I’ll let you think on it.”
And then he left.
Iwas wrecked by a kiss.
I’d never experienced anything like it.Moons, it had been centuries since I’d kissed anyone at all.But I never imagined doing so with Maren—a human—could be so…consuming.It wasn’t what I’d expected.
It was better.
It wasmore.
I needed more.
Lost in the mental replay of Maren’s lips on mine, I wandered the castle, not even realizing I’d made it back to my chambers until a voice stopped me in my tracks.
“I take it that went well?”it said, and I turned to find Nico, a satisfied smile on his face that clearly said,Finally.He might have been a child in Fae years, but he was smarter than any young Fae I’d ever met.
Too smart, sometimes.
I forced my face into a neutral expression and stopped at my door, waving my hand several times until my magic finally answered me and unlocked the door.I wasn’t sure why I still continued to lock anything in the castle.It wasn’t like it actually kept anyone out.
The memory of Maren hesitating forced my lips into a scowl.Her emotions had been strong, clear, and it had given me the courage to kiss her.And yet when I asked if she wanted me too, she’d looked uncertain.
Why?
She didn’t outright say no, but she also didn’t give an emphatic yes, which I was hoping for.
When will you learn to quit hoping, Rhydian?
Nico caught my wince and straightened, his head cocking to the side.“What’s that face for?What happened?”
“Nothing, Nico.”
“Then why do you look like someone just died?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He crossed his arms.“I saw you two kissing.”
“What’s your point?”
“Isn’t that what you wanted?Why are you upset?”
I sat on the edge of the bed, putting my face in my hands.“I tried to tell her how I feel.”
“And?”
“She didn’t say she wanted me too.”
Nico was quiet for a moment, the silence throbbing uncomfortably between us.I expected him to drop the subject, leaving it alone.There was nothing to be done anyway.If Maren didn’t want me, I couldn’t change her mind.
“Did you even give her the chance?”Nico asked, not letting me descend into self-pity like I wanted to.
I winced again.Not really.I should have waited, let herformulate the words spinning in her head, but if I were honest with myself, I was a coward.I was afraid to wait and find out what her answer was because I couldn’t bear the thought of her saying no.
