Page 10 of Captive Witch

I nod, resting my cheek against his as I surrender to him, letting him towel us both dry after he turns off the water. My wolf breathes a sigh of relief as I lay beside him in the bed, burrowed into his arms.

Home.

I swat at whatever is tickling my nose, faintly registering the sweet, floral scent attached to it. Cracking my eyes open, I see the most beautiful bouquet sitting on the pillow beside me. Circus roses—their orange petals with crimson tips resting delicately on the white pillowcase—and violet forget-me-nots sit tied together with baby’s breath and green thistles. Reaching out, I stroke the silky petals of a rose, then notice the white envelope tucked beside it.

My name is scrawled across the front of it in Gideon’s handwriting. Confused, I carefully pluck it from beneath the flowers and tear the seal.

Mia fiamma,

There are so many things in this world that I miss. Your lips, your smile, the flush of your cheeks. The way you snore in your sleep. Yes, you snore, and yes, I love it.

I love the way these roses remind me of your fire, and the forget-me-nots give me hope that you’ll never be able to sleep soundly without my name on your lips. I’ve fought against every instinct to give you the space you seemed to need, and it feels as if I’m dying inside. It feels so… wrong.

I belong next to you, tucking you into the space under my arm where you fit so perfectly. As I was made for you, and you for me.

I love you, Adara, and I will spend eternity proving to you that there is not a bone in my body that would ever cause you harm. Please come home and give me a chance to show you that.

Forever yours,

Gideon

“It was supposed to arrive today at Mila’s, but since you’re here, I picked them up after checking on Frank.”

Startled, I look over the top of the letter to find Gideon leaning against the doorframe. Sweatpants hug his hips, his crossed arms making his biceps bulge, and a smirk pulls his mouth to one side. “You were going to send me flowers?” I ask.

He chuckles. “Yes. Unless you hate flowers, then no, of course I would never do that.”

A small laugh escapes me, and I glance over to the bouquet still laying on the bed. Resting the letter in my lap as I sit up, I brush my hand over the bundle. “I don’t hate flowers.”

“I hope you don’t hate traveling, either.” Pushing off the frame, he strides across the room and sits on the edge of the bed, taking one of my hands in his.

“Traveling?” Panic surges through me. Traveling for what? Where? The last time either of us traveled anywhere was when Gideon went to meet with the council.

“Did you not see the bottom of the letter?” Tilting his head, he nods at the paper between us. “I called the academy and arranged a visit for you. Though, it doesn’t feel like nearly enough after hearing about what you did for Frank.”

“You did what?” I whisper, my gaze tearing down to the letter.

P.S. I called the academy to arrange a visit for you to see your sister. You can stay in her dorm, or I could reserve somewhere else for you to stay if you’d prefer. I only thought you’d enjoy having as much time together as possible, since it’s only for a weekend.

“Gideon.” My lip trembles as I reach for him, wrapping my arms around his neck. I haven’t seen Jules in what feels like a lifetime—or two. After everything that’s happened, I couldn’tbear to update her with details, scared of putting her in harm’s way.

Running a hand down my back, he holds me tight. “I know you were used to seeing each other every day, and now, it’s different. I know what it feels like to miss you, though I don’t believe she misses you as deeply as I did.”

I laugh, pushing against his chest, but he holds me tighter, his chuckle rumbling deep in his throat.

“But,” he says, “I think seeing her will make you smile, and that’s worth everything to me, even if I miss you already.” Sighing, he draws back and holds my face in his hands.

“Gideon?” I ask, laying my hand atop his. “Is there a reason you want me to leave already? Is something wrong?”

He shakes his head. “No, nothing is wrong—well, there’s nothing wrong enough to make me send you away. But I did talk with Mila this morning, when I picked up the bouquet. Adara, where have you been the last few days?”

“I…” Letting my hand fall into my lap, I grab the letter and fold it back up, fiddling with its edges.

He grabs my wrist, lifting it in front of my face so the puckered, pink circles stare at me. “Adara, answer me. Where did these scars come from? I know you didn’t have them before.”

I yank my arm away from him. “I’m fine. It doesn’t matter what happened or where I was. I’m here now, and I’mfine.”

“You’re not fine,” he growls. “You followed me home, though I don’t know why, because the only reason I even found you outside, rocking in the grass and begging for whatever was happening to stop, is because of Kaylus. Not because of you. So, please, entertain me. Where were you? Who hurt you like this? If it was Monique, I—”

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