Page 98 of Kiss of Fire

She kept her tone light, deliberately masking the sleepless night she’d had agonizing over this very question.

Shade’s reaction was not what she expected. He turned away abruptly and went to stand by the open window, looking out towards the horizon. He seemed to be wrestling with something. She frowned at his motionless back.

“Shade? What’s wrong?”

When he finally answered, his voice was low.

“I want to put an alternative option to you.”

“Oh?”

“When the test is over, whatever the outcome, I would like you to stay.”

There was a long pause.

“Why?”

“Because I… I have become used to having you here.”

“What, like a pet?”

“No, I…” He trailed off. Cautiously, Raya walked towards him.

“Shade, look at me. What are you trying to say?”

Shade turned slowly. He didn’t meet her eyes, just clasped his hands behind his back like a schoolboy. She had to strain to hear him.

“I want you to stay because I like you.”

“Sorry, what?”

He gritted his teeth.

“I like you.”

“Youlikeme?”

“I like you a lot.”

“You like me alot?”

He glowered.

“Why must you repeat everything I say? I am trying to tell you I like you an inordinate amount. Why is that so difficult to understand?”

“I guess because you look so pissed off by it.”

“I am unaccustomed to telling women how I feel.” He cleared his throat uncomfortably and tried again. “I am asking if you would consider making the castle your home. With me.”

His eyes had darkened to navy and in them, she saw hope.

And something else. It took her a moment to identify it. With a start, she saw it was fear.

Fear that she might say no.

A thousand thoughts crashed through her mind.

He wants me to stay. He likes me. Is liking enough? What about Leona? Leona’s not here. But he had feelings for her too, didn’t he? Is this what he does? Goes from one woman to the next? What if he changes his mind about me? Could I face that? Maybe it’s best if I leave. It would be safer for my heart. But I don’t want to leave. I want to be with him. I admit it. I want to be with him. Okay then.

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