Vardan and I made our plates, took some mugs of water, and went to sit at one of the tables. Or rather, I did, but he kept going.
“Come on, I'm sure you know of a better place to eat than a stuffy tent,” he said.
“Oh. Yeah, there's a meadow with a stream I used to fish in.” I led him behind the tent and into the forest. “It's not that far.”
In a few minutes, we reached the clearing. It wasn't the most glorious of forest meadows. The grass was spotted brown and covered with fallen leaves while the trees that had contributed to the mess were mostly bare. But it was peaceful, especially with the soft sounds of the stream. I sat down beside the water and set my plate and mug before me. Vardan sat across from me, beside the stream as well. We grinned at each other, then got into the food.
After a few minutes of eating, Vardan said, “So, Taroc.”
I swallowed, nearly choking, and looked up. “Taroc?”
“Did you fuck him?”
“Wow. That was blunt.” I blinked. “No, I didn't. I have a rule that I don't have sex with a guy until I'm mostly sure it will lead to . . .”
“To him joining your cock crew?” He smirked.
I rolled my eyes. “You and Nex and your names for us. Yes, until I'm fairly sure that he's going to join us.”
“And you weren't sure about Taroc?”
“No.” Then I muttered, “Turns out that I had good reason.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Why?” I gaped at him. “Did you not just see that shit back at the barrel?”
“I saw a jealous man stop me from kissing you.”
I blinked. “He's not jealous.”
“Why wouldn't he be?”
“Because he's the one who stopped asking me out or even eating with me.”
“Taroc's been on a lot of missions lately.” Vardan's wings rustled as he resettled them behind him. “Are you sure he hasn't simply been tired?”
“I don't think so.”
I stared at his beautiful wings. Sunlight dappled them, turning spots gold. They were glorious wings. Perfect for Vardan. But truth be told, I didn't want to be there with him. I wasn't ready for him. My heart was still dealing with the loss of Taroc.
Had I misinterpreted things? If so, why did Taroc glare at me? It didn't make any sense. What had I done?
“Maybe he's upset because he saw me eating with you,” Vardan said.
I snorted. “Are you trying to get me to go after Taroc?”
Vardan grinned. “I'm trying to get you through whatever is clouding your eyes so I can have a chance with you.”
Chuckling, I looked him over. “I like your honesty. And I like you. You have a chance.”
“Do I?” He leaned forward and peered into my eyes. “I don't think so. Not yet. But at least you know I'm interested, and I know you're open to the possibility of me.”
“Why do men keep telling me what I feel and what I'm ready for?” I asked, not with anger, just bafflement.
Vardan shrugged. “Maybe we want everything to be perfect. It would be a shame to fuck up our one shot with you.”
I bit my lip, then asked, “Can I touch your wings?”
