And despite the thrumming anticipation of her mock affection, I always have the urge to point out the obvious.
You wouldn’t have to do this if you just stayed.
“I want to make a bet.” Blossom’s tart voice brings me back to the present moment and her current scowl, perfectly reflecting all the ones she’s given me in the past.
“So confident you’ll win?” I saunter closer, looming over her, even as I bend at the waist to put my cheek in range of her lips.
A subtle reminder she can’t leave just yet.
“You’ve never competed againstmebefore.” Her finger jabs my chest. “And if I win, this is over. No more good-bye ritual.”
Never feel her lips on me again?My wolf wants to howl in denial.
But I’ve been competing in the Pumpkin Wars for years. There’s no way Blossom will beat me.
Which means this is an opportunity to get another boon from her. To draw her closer.
Closer. That’s what I want. Not these random visits.
“Fine. And if I win, you have to move back to Folk Haven.”
Blossom’s mouth pops open, putting her pretty pink tongue on display. By The Clawed One, I want to suck on that tongue.
She clicks her mouth shut, as if hearing my thoughts. “Ridiculous. You hate me! Why would you want me around more?”
Frustration shoves all of the teasing out of my brain. “Why do you think I hate you?”
She sputters, waving her hands, as if the evidence were floating in the air around us, “Because you do. You always have!”
I grunt, dipping my chin to my chest to hide the sudden anger in my eyes. I’m not pissed at Blossom. I’m furious with myself. Of course she sees me as the enemy. That’s how I acted when we were younger. The only way my adolescent brain knew how to keep distance between us.
But I’m grown now, and I’m done repeating the mistakes of my past.
I’m done driving Blossom away. I need to repair the damage I’ve done so I can woo her. And the only way I can do that is if she stays put in Folk Haven for longer than a few hours.
“That’s the deal.” I meet her bewildered stare. “Take it or leave it.”
She studies me, her expression shut down so I have no idea what thoughts flick behind those glittering eyes.
“Fine,” she snaps. “I’ll take it.”
Blossom steps forward, into my space, and I tilt my head and brace for the teasing torture that is her parting peck.
But then a set of cool, strong hands cup my cheeks and turn me to face her. I only have a moment to suck in a breath before her mouth smashes against mine.
The witch tastes like apples and spices, and I groan in hunger, wanting to devour her. But just as my arms reach to gather her close, there’s a sharp sting against my lip and anunexpected force shoving me away from delicious perfection. I stumble back a step, one hand going to my mouth, one hand reaching for her.
But Blossom is already out of my reach, a triumphant grin on her red-stained lips.
Blood transfers from my mouth to my fingertips.
She bit me.
“Good-bye, darling. I’ll miss you.” She sings the words, a taunt beneath them.
Then, she’s gone, disappearing into the woods.
And I know there’s no way I’m ever letting her leave me again.
