Page 70 of Kiss of Fire

“Then I will wait here until you are feeling more communicative.”

For fuck’s sake. She yanked on a dressing gown and stormed over to the door. Flinging it open, she glared at him.

“What? I’m busy.”

“So I see. I wondered if you would care to accompany me to the night-garden.”

“Why?”

“I have something to show you.”

“I think you showed me everything you needed to last night.”

Incredibly, the jinn dropped his eyes.

“Raya, I behaved like an enraged beast. I am not asking forgiveness, for it was unforgiveable. But I do beg your understanding. My temper sometimes gets the better of me.”

“You think? I hadn’t noticed.”

He frowned.

“I am unsure as to whether you are being sincere.”

“Take a wild guess.”

“I am trying to make amends. Would you get dressed and come with me?”

“Why should I?”

“I know you have no reason to trust me. But if you come with me now, I will try to ensure you never have any reason to fear me again.”

Fear him? He thought he’dfrightenedher? Raya cocked her head.

“I don’t fear you, Shade. I just don’t understand you.”

“On that score, halfling, we are evenly matched. Will you accompany me?” He cleared his throat. “Please?”

Raya’s mouth fell open. Had she heard right? Please? She never thought that word would come out of his mouth.

“Turn around,” she ordered.

“That hardly seems necessary. I have already seen…”

“Turn!” He did as she asked. She hurriedly pulled on a long dress and ran a brush through her hair. “What is it you want to show me?”

“It is a surprise.”

He led her out of the castle to the night-garden. They went past the pagoda where they’d sat the other day and into another walled section.

It was a rose-garden. Roses of every colour bloomed from dozens of beds, filling the air with their rich perfume. And in the centre, a brand new rose bush. It stood proudly on its own covered in the most beautiful deep red blooms.

A man was on his hands and knees patting down the soil. She jerked in surprise when she saw it was Tor.

“Is it done, Mr Torven?” Shade asked.

Tor gave them a cheerful smile.

“Morning, Lady Raya. Yes my Lord, it has taken nicely.”

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