He looked back, annoyed, again. I could see the thoughts flicker through his eyes, an argument taking shape in his mind. I was surprised when his eyes softened, he leaned over and kissed my forehead. “I do not wish to argue with you before I go.”
Even if I had wanted to continue the discussion, the simple show of affection and the look in his eyes was enough to render me incapable of any words which might lead to angst.
“Come on,” I said brightly, pulling him in the direction of the door.
He didn’t budge. Confusion spread across his beautiful face. “Where do you intend on leading me?”
“To the fair.”
The local show had been set up today and would run until midnight, departing for a new town tomorrow. With the heaviness hanging over our heads I thought it might be the perfect way to clear it before he departed. I needed to do something normal, something light, something to distract me from the turmoil of an unknown future.
He shook his head firmly and scowled, as if I just suggested he volunteer at an aged care home. “I will not be going to the fair.”
“But you are.” I tugged at his hand, knowing I was in for a battle. “We need to do some human things sometimes, too.”
His eyes danced, he opened his mouth to comment. I knew where that comment was leading. “Other than the obvious.”
He stretched his shoulders back. “I am the head of vampires, Amelia. Not to mention the fact I’m over five-hundred years old. I most definitely will not be accompanying you to the fair. Anddespite your infuriatingly childish behaviour sometimes, you are not a child. Why do you want to go?”
I batted my eyelashes and peered up. “I like fast rides, and cotton candy, and I’m your girlfriend and I’d like to go.”
“If it’s fast rides you crave, I can take you on rides much faster than any machine. I will take you through the forest now if you wish.” He moved off inside to the kitchen in a deliberate attempt to avoid my gaze, grabbing a glass and pouring a whisky.
I followed behind him. “Yes, but you can take me anytime, the fair comes once a year, and unless you can whip up your own cotton candy, I want to go. It’ll be fun.”
He turned to cast a cool gaze, lifting the glass to his lips. Before he could take a sip I took the glass from his hands and sat it down. I reached for his hands. “Please.”
He shook his head slowly and deliberately. “Absolutely not.”
Chapter 62
The Fair
The fair was set up in a large paddock on the outskirts of town. It was a buzzing hive of activity. People of all ages wandered around, laughter and screams of delight echoed through the night. Teenagers walked hand in hand, eating doughnuts and hot dogs.
A breeze had lifted from the mountains and brought with it a chill, uncharacteristic for this time of year. It explained the cold I felt earlier on the balcony. I was glad I’d listened to Karson, and donned a jacket. He had his arm linked through mine, which was both old-fashioned and charming. We wandered aimlessly for an hour or more. A few people greeted him enthusiastically, mainly females, and I was awarded a few sharp looks.
“No, do not even consider it,” Karson said, following my eyes as they honed in on a ride which shot up in the air and spun wildly, whipping people like rag dolls against the sides of the carriage. It looked like fun.
“Don’t tell me you’re you scared?” I mocked him.
“Do not push your luck.” He pulled his arm out and wrapped it around my shoulders. I leaned into his warmth, breathing in his scent, feeling blissfully happy.
“Okay, you pick one then,” I conceded.
He focused on the Ferris Wheel. “That one.”
“Oh, no.” I shook my head, suddenly feeling nervous. “Any ride but that one.”
“Are you scared of heights, Amelia?”
“No,” I lied.
He threw an eyebrow up.
“Technically, I’m scared of falling,” I muttered.
He smiled widely, his white teeth flashing in the night. He directed me towards the yellow stall. He handed over the money. The boy, who looked about the same age as the kid chaining people into the rickety ride, about sixteen, chomped loudly on gum. He placed the tickets on the counter. Dirt stained the rivets in his fingers like etchings in a pharaoh’s tomb. He didn’t make eye contact.
