Page 50 of A Clash of Stars

A classy way to get a girl back.

Looking back at the view, the sun’s reflection beamed off the waves that crashed at the shore. I could listen to that sound forever, but his voice cut off my thoughts.

“So, what happened in the tunnels?” he questioned me.

Once he asked me this, he sat up straighter, his eyes wide, watching me as if trying to detect my lies or anticipate the hurt. I took a deep breath before I answered. I had never lied to Madok, and at this moment, it didn’t seem like the right place to start.

“Evander and I were stuck in the opposite passageway. We ran for what felt like hours. We finally saw the light in the siding of the tunnel, and as we approached it, we were hit by falling rocks. Ev was knocked out, and I helped him tend to his wounds. We got close, and we kissed.”

I wish I could’ve read his mind, but I didn’t think I needed to with the overwhelming look he was giving me. My palms were sweating, and my heart was racing as I picked up on his emotions.

“That’s all that happened. Nothing else?” he darted out. As if he was trying to end this sooner just in case something would hurt him.

I looked away from him before blurting out what I was trying not to tell him because I thought my heart would fall out of my butt. I was so nervous.

“I also saw him naked by accident. When I walked up on him, I didn’t know he was bathing in the creek.”

“Well, that’s better than what my mind made up,” he sighed out an uneasy breath of relief as he stood up and walked towards me. Leaning over, he kissed my cheek and spoke without looking at me, probably from disgust.

“Enjoy your coffee and sunshine. I’ll see you later,” he softly grumbled as I watched him leave the balcony. His grunts told me he was angry.

As I continued to sit there, I pondered my many thoughts. I was overwhelmed with questions and emotions and didn’t know where to start. My heart took precedence over everything else at this moment. I was falling for two men—or was I just looking for comfort?

Evander I had known but was never as close with him until we began training at Sefida. I always thought he was mysterious and devastatingly handsome, and something about him made me want to get closer to him.

Madok was obviously feeling protective and jealous over Evander getting close to me. Whereas Evander told me he would never want me to give up Madok because he knew it would hurt me.

Another thought surrounded me.

I had an inamorato… someone, unsure whether it was indeed Eros. What if he isn’t real, or what if Madok was wrong? As they had promised to answer my questions, I registered that question to the front of my mind to ask my parents later today.

I finished my coffee and walked down the staircase. I was hit with the sound of laughter and the sweet smell of pine.

My parents and Evander.

My mother’s eyes widened, then I realized I hadn’t put a bralette on, so the girls were on full display under my white cotton shirt. My father coughed, choking on his drink.

“You know what, dear, I think we’re running late for that lunch, or was it brunch? Anyways, I think we should go. Good morning, little bear. Have a great day. We’ll see you later.”

He said that without so much as taking a breath, grabbed my mother’s hand as she smiled at me, and they walked out of the house, slamming the door as theyleft. I stepped towards the kitchen, where Evander sat perched on the metal stool with an ever-knowing smirk and darkened eyes.

“Little bear, huh? I knew that nickname was perfect for you.”

I gave out a fake laugh. “Yes, you are so masterful in selecting your nicknames, Ev.”

I walked over to the island and placed my empty coffee mug in the sink, crossing my arms to hide my boobs from him.

“So, your sweet prince brought you that this morning?” Evander pointed to the empty coffee mug.

“If you mean Madok, yes, he certainly did, and he also brought me a cookie.”

I watched his eyes linger down my body, studying every inch of me. I became self-conscious about what I was wearing. A sheer white shirt with black cotton shorts fell perfectly around my hips but was short, exposing my thighs and minor bruises placed over them. His deep voice startled me.

“Did he find out about our little moment in the tunnels?”

As I spoke, my eyes flickered up to his, “Not that it’s your business, but yes. I also told him about our mishap by the creek.”

A slight chuckle slipped out of his mouth as he stood to walk around the counter to me. I pressed my back against the cool countertop as he slowly approached the front of me. He placed his hands on either side of me and leaned into me, allowing only a small space between us. His raging green eyes studied mine as he closed in. His scent was intoxicating.

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