Page 21 of Cursed Evermore
I could see why I’d liked him. He was handsome. However, he had an untrustworthy look in his eyes that I wondered how I’d missed.
The friendly smile that brightened James’ face as he got closer suggested he thought we were on good terms. We weren’t. In my notes, past-me hadviciouslycursed him to all the hells and back. Specifically, I’d wished the plague upon his cock and eternal limpness as punishment for his cheating.
“Evening, ladies.” His voice dipped low, carrying a practiced charm that made my skin prickle. His smile was easy. Like he hadn’t shattered whatever the past version of me had once trusted in him.
“What do you want?” Emabelle was on fire and looked like she was ready to tackle him.
James’ grin widened with confidence, as if he thought we were about to pick up where we left off. I glared at him when he glanced at me.
“I wanted to wish Elariya congratulations on her upcoming wedding. I hadn’t realized it was so soon.” James nodded at me.
“Great. Now that you’ve given your congratulations, you can leave.” Emabelle raised her chin and levelled him a hard stare.
“Wow, feisty, feisty. How about I hear Elariya speak for herself?” He focused entirely on me now.
“Youcanleave,” I answered.
He had the audacity to smirk. “Come on, Elariya. People make mistakes. That whole incident in the barn with Cindy meant nothing.”
“It didn’t look that way to me.” I gave myself credit for sounding like I actually remembered them being together and was still bitter about it. “Why don’t you go find Cindy?”
“I don’t want Cindy, because itwasnothing.” Hetsked, sweeping a hand through his thick brown hair. “So, I thought you may want somerealfun with me before you head out to Zyvaris with that arrogant asshole.”
At least we could agree on one thing about Thayden. Hewasan arrogant asshole.
“My answer is absolutely not. You lost your chance with me.”
“Is that so?” He gave me an overly cocky smirk, flashing dazzling white teeth and confidence that showed he wasn’t used to hearing the wordno. “You’re seriously turningmedown?”
“Yes,I am. I also don’t think mybetrothedwould like the idea of me having any sort of fun with you.”Betrothed. Gods,my stomach twisted with the lie.
“Betrothed?That’s new. You never called him that before.”
“Well, he is. And I’m sure he won’t like to hear that you were propositioning me, so please leave me alone.”
James stepped back, looking at me as if I’d slapped him. Then the smile fell off his face and a stony look replaced his charm as quickly as if he’d slipped off a mask. “Suit yourself.”
“I will.”
“In other words, fuck the hell off,” Emabelle piped, flicking her wrist to shoo him away.
His jaw tensed, and for a second, I wondered if he might say something more, but he didn’t. He turned and walked away, stiff with irritation.
I watched him until he joined his friend on the other side of the tavern, then I returned my gaze to Emabelle, who was looking way too pleased.
“Well done.” She beamed.
“I can’t believe I ever liked that guy.”
“Forget him.” She waved her hand dismissively, her grin bright and mischievous. “Tonight’s ours. Let’s make the absolute most of it.”
“Yeah. Let’s do that.” I nodded. As carefree as hooking up with someone sounded, it was off the table. At least for tonight. Thayden may be coming tomorrow, but I didn’t belong to him until his ring was on my finger.
“I’ll get us some more drinks.” The excitement returned to her eyes. “How about some stronger ale and more pie?”
“Sure.”
She stood and weaved through the crowd toward the bar. In her absence, I suddenly felt alone.
