Page 80 of A Story of Sinners

“Good, because that was getting tired and overplayed,” he said, releasing me.

My eyes strayed to Ryken, but he was actively avoiding eye contact, glaring at the mages in the training yard as they started to spar once again. A puff of air shot from his nostrils as he stared Gregor down, issuing a look that could kill. Gregor only shrugged, and I rolled my eyes.

Fae males.

Eulalia carefully eyed the three of us. “We are going to go grab some lunch.” She was likely referring to the Gabriella, Fin, and Kieran. It was clear she wanted to escape whatever would happen next. A soft smile passed her face as she looked to me. “We can catch up later, Dahlia.”

I nodded and she backed up, gripping Fin’s hand and dragging him along. Gabriella and Kieran followed, ten feet of space between them as they walked in unison, refusing to speak or look at one another.

When I whirled around to face Ryken and Redmond, the two had their eyes locked. A silent conversation passed between them, and Redmond raised his brow, as if antagonizing the male. Ryken stepped forward, his large form diminishing my mentor’s gangly frame.

When Ryken titled his head in the direction of the others, Redmond cleared his throat and tugged at the neckline of his tunic. “I’m famished. I should grab lunch with the others.”

My former mate puffed out his chest. “Good idea.”

A low, strangled noise spilled from Redmond’s chest, and he immediately chased after the others.

Once we were alone, I felt unable to meet Ryken’s eyes, and it seemed as if he felt the same. A strained silence settled between the two of us, so many things remained left unsaid. We both finally spoke at the same time, our eyes locking briefly before immediately shooting to the ground with embarrassment.

“There’s no need to be territorial.”

“Dinner,” he grunted.

I dug my toe into the ground, watching sand spill as I lifted it. My boots were entirely too fascinating. “What?” I asked.

“No, you go,” he answered.

Neither of us spoke. When I finally worked up the courage to meet his eyes, he grimaced, opening his mouth before closing it once again. I fidgeted and crossed my arms, resuming my stance of kicking sand, both of us clueless on how to proceed.

“This is ridiculous,” he muttered in agitation. “I have a few matters to attend to, but I think you should have lunch with the others.” I frowned at having been brushed off, but he continued. “Then tonight, I would like to have dinner. It’s been a long time, and I would appreciate the opportunity to become reacquainted with one another.”

“Dinner?” I squeaked. Heat prickled my cheeks at the sound of my own voice, and I cleared my throat and tried again. “I would love to have dinner. I mean—I think that’s a good idea.”

He dipped his head. “Good. I’ll retrieve you once the sun sets.”

“Good,” I echoed.

He threw one last, longing glance my way then shook his head, stalking off towards the stone staircase to the castle. I watched the muscles of his back flex through his tunic as he moved and licked my lips.

He looked good walking away. His figure had grown broader and stronger, as if he spent every free moment training or fighting. His bronze skin had darkened, making those silver tattoos nearly glow with magic. Attraction had never been our problem.

Communication was where we lacked.

I shot him one last, yearning glance before I set out to chase down the others. Just before he disappeared, his eyes met mine—eyes filled with silver fire, burning with either desire or agitation.

My lips flattened into a line as he disappeared. I had no idea what we were doing or what we were supposed to do. His feelings remained a mystery, and discerning my own felt nearly impossible. Having a standard conversation felt like an impossible feat we couldn’t overcome.

I groaned and squeezed my eyes shut.

Tonight would be rough.

Chapter33

Ryken

Iwas a gods damned idiot who didn’t know how to talk to females. No, females I could speak with, but my own mate—I’d sooner prefer to bury myself alive. Not that I didn’t want to speak with her or see her—it had been my only desire over the past few months. A desire that made me toss and turn nightly, awaiting the moment she closed her eyes, wishing she would change her mind, about us, about me. Standing right in front of her after all the time apart, though, made me feel like a petulant child awaiting a scolding.

I was terrified to say or do the wrong thing, worried I would put my foot in my mouth yet again, scare her away for good this time. Nerves had rendered me speechless, and my stomach flipped with the urge to spill its contents. I refused to open my mouth and held the bile back only through the grace of some higher power. Instead of directing my focus to her, I redirected it anywhere and everywhere else.

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