Cayden pursed his lips as if expecting me to pull away, but unlike him, Rowan wanted to kiss me. My heart beat a little faster as I molded myself to the built mage.
“I need to focus on my independence,” I said a second time while Cayden tried to burn Rowan with just his gaze. “My training block with Rowan is almost over. I have a tag-along at the library, and then I’ll stay put for a bit and think. If I can’t get my magic working before the Architect comes for me, we’ll look for a new dorm arrangement, and I won’t fight it.”
Rowan nodded. “Fair, though bring your laundry to me.”
Cayden slipped his hand into mine and tugged me away from Rowan and into him.
Despite what I’d just told myself, old habits died hard. Like I always did, I snuggled into my best friend.
Cayden squeezed me. “I’ll bring you dinner, and we can brainstorm.”
Rowan frowned at Cayden, but nodded. “I have a shift on the portcullis this evening, and I don’t want her alone.” He let out a resigned sigh that twisted into a smile. “And I have a new situation that needs addressing.”
He scratched at the stubble on his chin and gave me an uneasy smile. Ending his contract would change everything. I doubted he’d planned on almost kissing me in the rain and then breaking things off with Angela right after. Rowan didn’t seem like the spur-of-the-moment type. A strange mix of guilt and excitement twisted in my stomach, and I caught myself chewing my bottom lip.
Rowan turned to Cayden. “I don’t trust you, but Quinn does. Keep her safe.” His attention shifted to me, and his gaze softened. “I want to help. Independence is good.” A blob of water formed between us. “Power came naturally to me. I’ve never tried to teach it, but I’ll do what I can. My brother might have more books…” He wrinkled his nose. “Fuck. I’m going home to face my dad. Angus, negotiated my contract.” Cayden stiffened at my side, while Rowan winced. “But he’s a merchant through and through; he’ll bring us out on top still. Somehow.”
“Making changes to your contract?” Cayden asked too mildly. A slight flush filled Rowan’s cheeks, and he looked at me. I swear I could feel Cayden’s silent growl through all my layers.
Instead of letting things escalate, I literally bounced between them. “Magic. My magic. Thank you both so much for helping me! I need this so much.”
Cayden immediately pulled me back, while Rowan beamed at me. He stepped forward, either not seeing or ignoring every warning sign my possessive best friend was giving, and cupped my cheek.
Cayden lifted his free hand, which glowed with his forest-green magic. Before he could act, I laced our fingers together and squeezed, forcing him to still.
“You don’t want to talk about it, but I know you’re different,” Rowan said, his face inches from mine. “I’m here for you always, Quinn. You can’t scare me away, even if you have to merge with a tree for fifty years.”
My gaze blurred, and a tear fell down my cheek. Rowan leaned down and kissed it away. “I’ll see you soon, Q-tip.”
My insides bubbled. I had a nickname. The first one that wasn’t me referring to myself.
Cayden’s arm pulled me closer, and we both watched the big elemental mage stride away. I finally released my death grip on Cayden’s fingers.
“I’m not getting you to myself anymore, am I?” Cayden asked.
“If you didn’t want to share, you shoulda kissed me.” My nerves spiked, but admitting that I wanted him made my confidence soar... but not high enough to handle another rejection. I cocked my head to the side and changed the subject fast. “What’s a Q-tip?” I knew what one was in my world, but they were definitely made of plastic in a factory.
Cayden sighed. “As usual, your questions dazzle my intellectual mind.”
I stuck my tongue out at him.
“It’s a small stick with wool on each end,” he answered. “They are used for cleaning delicate and hard-to-get-to spots.” Cayden brushed his lips against the side of my head, and my stomach fluttered with butterflies. “His nickname for you is literally a cleaning supply. It’s not flattering. If you really want one, I’ll find one that does you justice.”
My chest did that stupid flutter thing again. I was going to die buried in kilts and compliments.
Chapter 6
Ezra
Iputahandon Quinn’s waist and pressed, forcing her butt to even out with her heels on her plank. My plum-purple light didn’t shine as bright as my lover’s baby blue, but for my workout with Quinn, the moody lighting was perfect.
“Ezra, it has to have been at least an hour.” Quinn started shaking.
Every tremor pulled at something I shouldn’t want.
It had not, twenty seconds at most. “Hold it.”
Quinn let out an unhappy squeak, but didn’t drop her plank. I loved it.
