I stop fighting.
Slowly, deliberately, I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. Every curve, every heartbeat pressed hard against each other, stretching this moment into something endless.
“You can put me down now.” Her muffled voice calls out.
Shit.
I hadn’t realized I’d lifted her off the ground, lost in the strange comfort of her touch. Reluctantly, I let her slide back. The promise of peace radiating from her is the beacon to my chaos, and I’m caught in the high of it.
“Let’s go inside, I’m starving. I made a couscous salad, do you want some?”
“Oh, that’s what it’s called.” She shoots me a curious look. “Mmm, yeah… about that, it’s gone.”
“What do you mean it’sgone? I made a big-ass bowl.”
“Yeah, I ate the whole thing,” I admit, rubbing the back of my neck as guilt sneaks in, an unwelcomed guest. Not exactly my favourite feeling, leaving heat on my cheeks.
Avilyna feigns surprise, “You’re telling me I made something the infamous and infuriatingly stoic Kai Brackwell likes?”
I go to playfully swat at her, but she dodges it. “I’d be more than happy to whip up some more.”
“Like you have a choice.”
I take a breath, square my shoulders as if I’m heading into a fight, and reluctantly ask. “Alright... how the hell do I make more?”
She gives me that look, flat, unimpressed. “Of course, you don’t know how to cook.”
“Yeah, well, in my defence, I thought couscous was either a skin rash or a made-up word.” Vi rolls her gorgeous eyes, as if she’s reconsidering every life choice.
“Come on, pretty boy. Try not to set the kitchen on fire.”
“You think I am pretty?”
“Oh shut up,” Avilyna grunts in annoyance, but she can’t hide the adorable shade of pink her cheeks take. And at that, I can’t hold the genuine laugh that bubbles out of me.
31
Avilyna
KNOTS IN MY GUT
“Alright, alright! I got it.”Kai snaps, clearly irritated after my third round of instructions. This guy wouldn’t know finesse if it slapped him across the face. A few strands of his dark blond hair fall into his eyes as his tattooed bicep flexes while he scoops the salad into two bowls.
Once we sit down, I can’t hold my nerves any longer. Kai’s hot-and-cold behaviour is driving me up the wall. Seriously, do boys do this on purpose? Then they turn around and say we’re complicated. No, buddy, you’re just unreadable, ugh.
With nothing else to focus on, I start bouncing my leg under the table. My mind is racing, regret choking me. What was I thinking? Everyone warned me not to trust any guy, and what do I do? I trust the pretty one. Honestly, if I end up in prison or poisoned tonight, I’d say I had it coming. A warm hand lands on my leg, stilling it with a firm, but gentle squeeze.
“You’re thinking so loudly, I’m getting a headache,” Kai mutters, mouth half-full. I shoot him an exasperated look and shove his hand off my thigh.
“Why are you helping me? I thought you didn’t do charity.”
“I don’t,” Kai mutters, his mouth half-full. “Who says I’m not getting something out of it?”
I roll my eyes. “All you’ve gotten so far is a headache.” He smirks into his bowl, and I hate that it makes me almost smile.
“And thisamazingsalad,” he adds, his mouth full of food.
I clear my throat, swallowing my bite. “Anyway… What’s the plan?”
