Page 13 of Kiss of a Hellish Prince

“What question was that?” I asked, turning in his arms to face him and putting my hands on his chest. God, being in his arms felt so warm and right.

“Do you want to see me again? Go on a date and grab some coffee?” he asked, his gaze dipping from my eyes to my mouth.

I hoped he might try to kiss me again. “I don’t know.”

“Oh.” Rune let go of me and backed away, rubbing the back of his neck.

Shit, why had I said that? “No, I mean…”

“I don’t beg. Especially not from humans.” Rune’s posture stilled; his jaw ticked. “Goodbye, Tori. I’ll have your car dropped off later. Keys will be in your mailbox.”

He left before I could say anything. What the fuck had I just done?

Taking a deep breath, I went inside and held up my hands to Sarah and Vivi. “I’m tired and I hurt. I’m going to take a shower, drink a gallon of water, and take a bottle of Tylenol and a nap. Please save all questions until I wake up.”

I ran upstairs before they could say anything and did just that. I may have also cried in the shower. I wasn’t sure if it was from the stress and fear from last night, the adrenaline wearing off, or feeling like an idiot for telling Rune I didn’t know if I wanted to see him again, when really, I never wanted him to leave.

Maybe it was all of it.

I just cried it all out. When the water ran cold, I dragged my aching body out of the shower, put on my most comfy sweatpants and a tank top, and crawled into my bed.

I finally felt safe, home.

* * *

I woke to my phone vibrating on my desk. It was dark outside; I had slept the whole day. My muscles protested when I got up to grab my phone.

Rune

Hey this is Rune. Murmur grabbed your number from your phone and gave it to me. I wanted to see if you were ok and tell you I returned the car.

Not sure how I felt about that. I was glad my car was here, but I had hoped to talk to him after some sleep and time to think. I hated the way we left things.

Hi, I guess he programmed your number on my phone. Thanks for returning the car.

Rune

Are you ok? How are you feeling? I know we gave you a lot of info to process on top of getting a little banged up.

A little banged up? I feel like I barely survived the mosh pit at a Rammstein concert.

Rune

Ok, very banged up.

Rune

I am sorry btw. I’m sorry you had to go through that.

Thanks, and again thank you for returning my car. I was kind of hoping to talk to you when you dropped it off.

Rune

I dropped it off about 2 minutes ago and was told by a very scary-looking kid with pigtails that you were sleeping and that I shouldn't pick up strange women in parks. Even if they were in a car accident, or they’re pretty. Apparently, there isn’t a way to know where they have been… That was the most off-putting conversation I have ever had.

That’s my sister Vivi… There really is no good explanation for her.

Rune

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