Page 79 of Mermaid's Song (Dark Sea Academy 1)

“Reminds me of an event I’d rather forget.”

He squeezes my hand. “We can build new memories here.”

“New memories? Are you high?”

Bash chuckles. “I deserve that.”

We make our way around the building in silence, and as we round the corner, we come to an enormous garden. It has bright flowers, unlike anything I’m used to. I probably saw these as a child, but the land holds nothing that compares to these plants.

He stops just before a path leading inside the garden. “I worked on this a lot the last two years.”

“Why? A punishment?”

“You know me too well, but would you believe I actually grew to like it?”

I arch a brow. “You enjoy gardening?”

“It’s relaxing. Not in the same way music is, but I miss it.”

I study him. “Why bring me here?”

“Because it’s so peaceful.” He leads me down the path. After a while, we stop at a bench. With his fingers still laced through mine, we sit. Some fish scatter, hiding among the flowers.

It actually is nice out here, not that I’m going to admit that to him.

“Why were you eavesdropping on my conversation?” he asks after a few minutes.

I shrug.

“There has to be a reason.”

“I’ve always been curious.”

He tilts his head. “That’s it? Curiosity?”

I take a deep breath. “Fine. I wanted to know why you bolted after we kissed. Everything was going great. We were connecting, then that kiss …” I sigh, hating to admit how much I want more. “And you run off without an explanation. What am I supposed to think?”

He frowns. “It’s like I said after my conversation with my aunt. Everyone leaves me.”

“What do you mean?”

Bash closes his eyes and draws in a deep breath. His expression tenses before he opens his eyes. “My parents died when I was young. I was sent to live with my aunt and uncle, and they wanted nothing to do with me. No matter what I did, there was no pleasing them. Then they sent me to boarding school. Only ever brought me home when the school closed. Spent most of my holidays alone. Friends came and went, mostly went.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. The last thing I want is anyone’s pity.”

“Everyone leaves you?”

He nods. “Eventually. There’s no point in getting attached.”

“What about Neva?”

“The band has been close, but it’s business.”

I clear my throat. “But you and her seem close.”

“I guess. I mean, we’re friends and everything, but not even she knows any of what I just told you.”

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