Page 157 of The Forgotten Queen
Slowly he turned around.
Seran stood five feet away, wearing the same chartreuse dress she’d had on earlier that day. Her beauty took his breath away. He didn’t smile. He didn’t even move a muscle. He stood frozen.
“Am I dreaming?” he asked, not sure he trusted himself.
She shook her head. “I hope not.”
His lips moved into a cautious smile as he stepped closer. “It feels like a dream.”
She met his step with one of her own. “Why did you leave?”
He lowered his chin, confused by her question. “Because I need to go back to Cristole.”
“Without me?”
Had Marx heard her correctly? It was loud inside the inn, and he needed to be sure he’d heard her right. He looked around. Groups of people had paused what they were doing, watching the two of them converse.
He held up his finger to the innkeeper. “Can you give us a moment?” He grabbed Seran by the hand and pulled her toward the closest door. “What’s this?” he asked the innkeeper.
His brows bent inward. “A coat closet.”
“Perfect,” Marx said, swinging the door open. He tugged Seran inside the tiny room and flipped the light on before closing the door.
Her eyes danced as she looked up at him.
Marx pressed his lips together. “I’m sorry, but can you repeat the last thing you said?”
Her lips stretched into a cute smile. “I asked why you left for Cristole without me.”
Everything inside of him lightened. “I didn’t know you wanted to come.”
“You said I was welcome there anytime.”
“I meant it.”
She shrugged. “Well, I really love the ocean. I think I’d miss it. I love the way it’s so constant and steady. I love the way it makes me feel.”
“I love the ocean too.” He smiled. “If I was away from it, I’d miss it too. I’m my best self when I’m with it, and I don’t want to live without it.”
“I don’t want to live without it either,” Seran said.
He reached out, slowly skimming his fingers over hers. “Are we still talking about the ocean?”
“No.” She lifted the corner of her mouth. “I’m talking aboutyou.”
He puffed out a small laugh, fully grabbing her hand, lacing his fingers through hers as a nervous thrill shot through his body. “I was talking about you too.”
“Here’s the deal—”
“No more deals.” Marx shook his head. “I’m sick of deals and fake relationships and pretending.”
“Okay,” Seran said. “Here’s thething. I tried to stay in New Hope and build a life and a future there. But it only took me thirty seconds to realize that something was missing.”
“Was it my mother’s butterflies?”
She laughed. “No, it was you. You’re my home.”
Marx closed his eyes briefly, soaking in her words.
