I lean over and sniff. “A little bit. But mostly you smell like sunshine.”
He shoots me an amused look. “No one can smell like sunshine.”
“Obviously, yes, because you do.”
Manuel shakes his head, exasperated. He’s never looked more adorable. Dark hair tousled, the blue of his tunic a handsome contrast to his olive skin. Brown eyes gazing at me warmly.
Maybe it’s my success with Luna, and for once not feeling like a failure. Maybe it’s because we’re alone, with a spectacular view of the moon and stars and this incredible city. But I’m tired of not being able to talk about our feelings.
I scoot around until I face him, my legs crisscrossed. He stiffens, immediately wary. I don’t care. “I’ve been in love with you for a long time.”
He blinks.
“You’ll say it’s inappropriate, a passing emotion that will fade when I meet someone suitable. Manuel, Ihavemet someone suitable. But if I don’t tell you the truth now, then I’m afraid I never will.”
A muscle jumps in his jaw. I reach for his hand and tangle my fingers with his.
“What are you thinking?” I whisper, half yearning to know, half terrified of his thoughts.
He hesitates, looking like a jaguar cornered. Any moment I expect him to lunge, teeth first. “Heisgoing to accept your proposal. Why wouldn’t he? You will become every bit the seer Luna has fated you to be. You’re brave and determined, and loyal. It’s only a matter of time before Sonco realizes who he has in his hands.”
“He might never agree.”
Manuel’s fingers tighten against mine. “Of course he will.”
I can’t speak for a moment. Grief thickens my throat. “So this is it, then. We’ll never have anything more besides our time in the jungle. We’ll never become more than a condesa and her loyal guard.”
He meets my gaze unflinchingly. “That’s right.”
I drop his hand. This is for the best, I know it is. This is how a condesa would comport herself; this is the kind of leadership my people will expect from me. Over and over again, I will have to set what I want to the side.
But I will have one more thing.
“I want you to do something for me.”
He stares at me guardedly. “What?”
I lift my chin. “Kiss me.”
He stills.
“Kiss me and be honest,” I whisper. “Do this, and promise not to hold back.”
“You might regret it.”
“Never.” I shake my head.“Nunca.”
“ThenImight.”
“It’s your choice. Now or never, Manuel.”
He glares at me, exasperated. I grin and he slaps both of his palms against his face, groaning. “That smile.”
“What about my smile?”
“I can’t handle it.”
“Now I can’t smile?” I ask, bemused.
