Page 67 of The Gambler's Prize
I was his constant reminder. I don’t need to explain it any more to Grimes. He’s quiet and reserved, but his intuition runs deep.
“I’m sorry,” he says.
“My father always says that my Callinthen side explains why I’m the way I am. So flighty and irresponsible and easily tempted by glittery, pretty things. Like a mahlark.” I name the birds that steal jewelry and coins from the unsuspecting back home in Rhennes. The words spill out of me like a dam has burst. It’s easy now, with Grimes sitting quiet and protective, just waiting to hear what I have to say. “I know most Rhennians think all Callinthens are like that,” I finish.
“And what do you think?” he says.
I shrug. “I think I don’t belong anywhere.”
“I disagree,” Grimes says.
I glance up, wondering, but he’s looking away now.
“Listen, Florian, I’m so sorry about everything,” he says. “The two years’ labor. It all feels so shabby now. I should’ve realized... I mean, I should’ve considered the fact that you didn’t mean for me to be incarcerated.”
“But youwereincarcerated. I understand why you would hold that against me.”
“I don’t. Not anymore.” He looks at me now, and his gaze is direct, honest. Soft. “Do you forgive me for setting those Durovians on you?”
“Of course. I know you didn’t mean for things to go that far.”
I trace a finger over his cheek, over the plaster that’s over one of his eyebrows. He went through that pain for me. And even before, even when he thought I’d ruined his life and sent him to prison on purpose, he only wanted to extract the same amountof time from me as he served. Even embittered and angry, even when he hated me, he never gave in to cruelty.
“You’re too good for that casino where I found you,” he says. “What were you doing there, anyway?”
I shrug. “Looking for love in the arms of strangers. As usual.”
I want him to wrap me in his arms and tell me that I don’t need to seek out strangers anymore. That he’s here now. To my surprise he does open his arms and hug me, so gently, like I’m half broken. He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t promise me anything. But his warmth is enough for me for now.
“You need to sleep,” he whispers.
“Stay with me?” I beg. Stars, so needy. “I won’t try to seduce you again, promise. I just don’t want to be alone.”
“I’ll stay, flower.”
Chapter 29
Florian
Next morning, I wake up in the same bed as Grimes. My head is on his chest and he’s snoring gently. He looks so handsome, his face powerful and calm, like he’s keeping the dangers of the world at bay even while he sleeps. I’ve never felt so safe as with him. He tore up the contract, and technically he has no hold over me anymore. But his hold over me is stronger than any legal document. I’m falling in love with him. He thinksI’m too ill to know what I’m doing. He’s wrong. My mind is crystal clear. I know how I feel about him. I’ve never felt like this about anyone else. Now I just have to convince him it’s true.
Watching him sleep like he’s mine is fun, but I’m impatient to see his dark eyes, hear his growly voice as he greets me. I ever so accidentally bump his arm with mine. He opens his eyes and blinks, his sleepy gaze settling on me. Happiness suffuses his expression as he looks at me.
“Morning,” I say.
“Morning.”
I smile at him. “I’m feeling much better now.”
Did that sound too forward? Slutty? But he smiles back.
“Are you?” he says, a teasing note in his voice. “What does that mean in this context?”
I reach up to stroke his cheek. It feels much softer than it looks. Tentatively, I run my hand down to explore his stubble, which is nice and scratchy in contrast to his skin. I’d love to rub my cheek against it. But he stops me, grabbing my hand and kissing it.
“You’re too weak,” he says.
Stars, still with thisweakthing. Have I done something wrong?
