“No!” I tried to push him away, yet his hands held me firmly in place. “I could have—I should have—” I choked. “I don’t want to hurt anyone, Francis.”
“It’s not your fault, love.” He held my cheeks. “It is not your fault.”
I blinked the tears away, filling my lungs as his eyes bored into mine. “It is not your fault,” he whispered again. “I am so very sorry I let it happen.”
I shook my head. “It isn’t your burden to carry.” I glanced at the black marble floor before confessing, “I didn’t think you would come at all. Not after our conversation.”
Pain painted his face as his brows furrowed. “Cordelia...” His voice dropped a few octaves as his arms wrapped around me once more. Jasmine and winter washed over me when I closed my eyes, filling my lungs with his aroma. “I would never leave you, Cordelia.” He said against my shoulder. “I would never leave you, even if I am the last person you wish to see. I swear it to you.”
I closed my eyes against his shoulder. Hot tears spilled down my cheeks onto his skin. My trembling hands veiled around his neck, and I welcomed the closeness. The ache of my injury ceased the longer we sat in this caress, the warmth spreading through my body, reaching my soul bit by bit.
A sigh pushed past my lips as I brought my face closer to his neck. His heartbeat sang me lullabies, serenity pouring through me like honey: no storm could reach our embrace’s ward.
“I love y—” My eyes flew open, disturbed by my own admission. My lips sealed close before the words spilled out without my permission, piercing my heart all around. I swallowed as my galloping heart throbbed against my ribs.Damnation.
Blood rushed to my cheeks; the air escaped my lungs at once.
“I didn’t mean—” Had I meant it? Did I love— “I—I don’t—I don’t know—” I stuttered, my lips shaking as embarrassment rushing through my veins. My brows knitted together. “I’m sorry.”
A corner of Francis’ lips tugged upwards. “It’s all right. You had a long few nights, I understand.” His hand fell atop myinjured one, connecting on the marble. “Don’t you worry about it.”
“I don’t know why I said that,” I rasped. “I don’t—” I shook my head, my stomach turning in every direction possible.
“It’s all right, Cordelia,” Francis whispered. “You are tired. Let’s get you to bed.”
“I’m sorry.” I nodded, gathering to my feet. “I am a fool,” I said under my breath, charging towards the exit.
“No need to apologize." Francis rushed after me.
My heart still banged against my rib cage when I hurried up the stairs, the tips of my ears burned in shame.
Francis’ steps followed. I need not look at him to feel the piercing gaze that prickled the back of my head, and I chided myself for such foolishness. “Have a good rest, Cordelia.” He reached to open the door to my room, inviting me in. I froze still in place.
My throat went dry at the threshold to my room. My eyes planted on his hand atop the door’s knob, for I could not bear meeting his eyes.
I needed to be alone, needed to straighten everything the storm had wrecked on its way to free me. So many wicked thoughts, so many bewildering feelings that my heart had no business unleashing upon my mind...
Oh, but how afraid I was to stay alone with my monsters for even a moment. “Would you stay with me?” I asked, against my better judgment.
As though my life depended on it, I waited for Francis’ answer, hanging onto every breath he took before replying, “Of course.”
Chapter 17. Crimson Petals.
Isank into his embrace as the night moonlight broke through the small opening in the curtains. My lungs finally filled with air that did not burn. I took another breath, and another, stunned by how easy it was—breathing. How had I not noticed the struggle before?
