Page 56 of A Hint of Delirium

I looked down at my feet to avoid his gaze. I knew he was right. This was all being done for me. I knew I seemed ungrateful, but they didn’t realize that all those deaths would be on my hands, too. The thought made my stomach churn.

“Just because I’m a halfling doesn’t mean I’ll suddenly start acting fae, out of the blue,” I whispered. “I’ve been human all my life. All I have are human emotions.”

“We don’t have those, so the same way we don’t judge you, don’t judge us for the things we do,” Alec chided. I raised my head to look at him. “He’s risking it all to protect you. Why? Frankly, I have no clue, so don’t ask me. But you obviously don’t realize what he’s giving up to do this. Did you know that if the Seelie Queen and our parents find out what he’s doing, all he’s hiding, he’ll be executed without a second thought?”

I gulped. I knew Ansel was risking his life, but hearing Alec’s dire warning made it more intense. More real.

“I should stop him,” I whispered.

Alec nodded. “You should try … but it won’t matter. He won’t stop. Once Ansel has decided something, he won’t give up until he’s accomplished it.”

“How can I save him?”

“Don’t get caught,” he said, then thought better of it. “And if the time ever arises where youarecaught, cut ties. Tell them Ansel had no idea what you were and you were just using him. Take the blame and then run.”

My eyes widened slightly, but I knew I would do it to save Ansel.

I nodded.

“Good.”

27

ANSEL

My bed no longer smelled like me. It was completely consumed by Violet’s scent. I laid on the mattress and considered everything she’d said. I knew it was her human side that struggled with the way things were, but I wondered if I could ever be what she wanted. I wasn’t human and had no desires to be. Would that disappoint her?

My bedroom door creaked open and Violet poked her head inside. “Hey … Alec just left.” I motioned for her to come inside. “I … I’m sorry about earlier,” she said sheepishly.

I raised a brow. “You are?”

She nodded. “I forget sometimes how different we are. I’m not saying I’m okay with what you’re doing,” she quickly added, “but I’m sorry I blew up on you. It wasn’t fair.”

“What if … what if I tell you I’ll spare the children?” I said to appease her. “Instead, I’ll wipe their memories and place them in new homes.”

Her eyes brightened. “Really? You would do that?” She ran toward me and jumped on the bed, kneeling beside me.

I sighed. “It’ll be more work, but yes, I’ll do it if it makes you happy.”

A smile stretched across her face the instant before she threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around my neck and squeezing tightly.

“Thank you, Ansel,” she murmured into the crook of my neck. “Thank you so much!”

I was hesitant at first, but then I wrapped my arms around her and hugged back. “Of course, Vi.”

She pulled away and smacked an unexpected kiss on my cheek. “You’re the best.”

I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling hot. “What did my brother say?” I changed the subject.

She diverted her eyes. “Nothing,” she muttered. “Just that I should be more understanding.”

I could tell she was lying, but whatever was spoken between them, I hoped she would eventually tell me. I looked intently into Violet’s honey brown eyes and brushed her hair back. I didn’t understand my feelings toward her. They’d taken me by surprise, and I couldn’t help but to just stare at her as she looked down at me so innocently. Her heartbeat picked up and her eyes slowly widened as my intent became clear.

I pulled her towards me until our lips crashed onto one another and her soft lips moved along with mine. Her breath hitched and she clutched the front of my shirt, pressing against my chest to hold herself up. My hands roamed over her body, the feel of her skin electrifying as I moved my mouth across her cheek and down the column of her neck. She moaned, a sound I’d never heard from her, but one that made my heart race and blood pump all the same.

My breathing became erratic and I felt myself starting to lose control, so I pulled away and gripped her arms softly as I looked at her with fire in my eyes. “I promised to take it slow,” I said, slightly out of breath.

Her hands slid up my chest and cupped my face. Her gaze softened to an expression I didn’t recognize from her. “I’m tired of going slow,” she whispered. “Don’t hold back.”

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