Page 78 of Enchanted Kisses
My stomach knotted. “But there’s a way of manipulating that vow? Right?”
“I don’t think so. But who knows?” She pointed to a door across the way. “Bathroom’s there. I must go.”
21
More Goddess Than Mortal
The bathroom had a claw-foot tub, glass-enclosed shower, and a large vanity. It was luxurious, with a historical feel that matched the manor.
I opted for a bath, hoping to soak my worries away, but climbed out feeling worse. Had I screwed everything up? Could Caiden really love me? No. The spell was causing my doubt. I had to stay focused until Raysa and I saw Virgil.
Wrapped in a towel, I slathered my skin with the coconut lotion I’d brought from home. The familiar scent soothed my nerves, if only a little.
I was about to apply my usual makeup but saw that I didn’t need any. My lashes were already black, lips were stained fuchsia, and my light-olive skin looked dewy. My eyes had turned full lilac since arriving in the Realm of Life. Out of the two other shades—hazel and icy blue—lilac was my favorite by far. I didn’t feel worthy of them or like the daughter of a goddess, though.
Where were my healing powers? Why couldn’t I conjure them? I still wasn’t convinced I’d tapped into them when I’d kissed Caiden’s cheek, especially considering it had only happened that once. For all I knew, it had to do with the binding glamour he’d doused me with at the time.
I pulled my hair from its bun and shook it loose, my eyes settling on a potted aloe plant on the counter. A poem in my mom’s book returned to my mind. It explained how she nurtured her powers through nature. Maybe if I found a dead tree or plant, I could try to heal it, though I doubted I’d find anything dead around here.
Someone tapped on the door. “Come in,” I said, assuming it was Raysa. I glanced up with a smile.
Caiden stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
My smile dropped.
His hair was more disheveled than usual, and his eyes had a hungry glint.
I backed up to the far side of the bathroom.
“Did you know water enhances the scent of a person’s skin?” he said, seeming unhinged. “I could smell you from the first floor. It’s making me crazy.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I’ll wash off my lotion. As soon as you leave. Okay?” I nodded and waved at the door for him to go.
He dropped to a round ottoman near the tub and buried his face in his hands. “I’m messing everything up. Perhaps it’s beyond me to change and be who I want to be.”
I bit my lip. I could either go to him or go to my room. Ishouldgo to my room. But I couldn’t make myself move.
Being the pathetic person I was, I imagined running my fingers through his hair and telling him everything would be okay.
“I hate what you did to me,” I choked out.
He looked up beneath his dark lashes.
“Do you know how hard it is to be here with you, and notbewith you?” My voice fell to a whisper. “Not to touch you or stand near you. Ever since I met you, I’ve felt a connection, especially these last few days. To find out it’s the result of a wish, a spell, makes me sick. I’ll never trust anyone after this, and I’ll probably never love again.”
It was so hard not to go to him. I knew he would fold me in his arms and make me believe it was real. He’d make the pain go away.
In a flash, he stood before me. I didn’t flinch, although I did press my back against the wall. His head lowered to mine, his bangs brushing my forehead and lashes.
I closed my eyes.
Feather-light fingers brushed from my cheek to my neck and across my bare shoulders.
“I want to tell you everything, but I need you to trust me first and you don’t. That kills me,” he whispered, his sweet breath like a muscle relaxant.
I felt weak, light, and tingly all over.
He lifted my chin with his finger.
