Page 177 of Midnights
I reach to adjust them, only to prick my finger on one of the thorns. A sharp sting shoots through my finger, and I mutter a curse under my breath, pressing my fingertip to my mouth to stop the tiny bead of blood.
I arrange the flowers with more purpose this time. I let out a quiet exhale, then just in case, I send a thought into the stillness.I chose this because it just felt right. I don’t expect anything in return for something you gave me first. Thank you.
The words linger, stretching into the night. For a brief second, I swear the air around us shifts.
A heartbeat later, Kane is beside me, quietly offering his arm.
I hesitate again, because everything about this feels like it means something more, but I slip my hand into his anyway. His arm is warm, solid, and unfairly steady as we start to move through the gardens.
Ugh, his arms are to die for.
The second I think I have the upper hand, he moves. Suddenly, the distance between us is gone and his fingers brush against mine. The contact is so light I almost don’t feel it. We approach a beautifully detailed fountain, and he pauses, looking at me.
I look at him, then at the fountain, captivated. The heat between my thighs is nearlyforgotten. Under the full moon, the water glows softly, illuminating the intricate design. Vines and swirls are etched down the pillar, curling delicately around three tiers, each one cascading water into the next before it reaches the small pool at the base. Coins sparkle faintly beneath the surface, and tiny hints of silver and copper catch the light. It's all the wishes, hopes, and secrets that have been left behind.
I let out a soft breath, turning back to him with a smile.
He's still looking at me. “So, how was your first ball?”
“It’s been… magical. Though, I have to admit, I’m shocked you’re actually here. This doesn’t exactly scream your scene.”
I move toward the fountain, settling on the ledge. I let my fingers skim through the cool water, swirling idle patterns over the surface. He doesn't move. He stays standing across from me, silent at first, watching. Then, finally, he tilts his head slightly.
“And what, exactly, would you sayismy scene?” he challenges.
My pulse kicks up a notch. Shit.
“Well…” I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “I don’t know, maybe something a little more… mysterious.” I flick water absently, watching ripples spread across the surface. “I can’t picture you at a ball, mingling with people, pretending to enjoy yourself. No offense, but you seem more like the type to be off doing something a little more…illegal. Or at least, less refined.”
His low, deep chuckle rolls through the quiet. “So you’ve got me all figured out, do you?”
I flick a little water in his direction. “Maybe I do,” I tease, “But come on, you cannot tell me this is your crowd.”
Okay,maybethat was a little unfair. Especially since we’re both here. He might think this is my comfort zone, but truthfully, I enjoy the quiet.
“Funny,” he says smoothly, stepping closer. “I could say the same aboutyou.”
Touché. I guess I did walk right into that one.
I look up at him, and the way he watches me feels like a game I’m not entirely sure I know the rules to, but I don’t back down.
“All right then,” I cross my arms. “Why did you come tonight? Or is this secretly your thing after all?”
His chuckle is edged with something unreadable.Shocker.
“Just doing my duty, love.”
Duty?
I narrow my eyes. “There go those vague answers again,” I say, shaking my head. “You know, I'm going to let you in on a little secret, because that’s whatfriendsdo.” I emphasizefriends,mostly for my own benefit. “Sharing is caring,” I add with a grin.
“Alright,” he says, the corner of his mouth quirking up. “Do youreallywant to know?”
I nod, anticipation buzzing in my veins. “Obviously.”
Kane glances around, checking to make sure no one’s listening, then steps closer, leaning in so I can feel his breath brush my cheek.
“I’m here because I was invited,” he whispers. “But also… to keep an eye on certain people. Make sure they’re safe.”
