Enver has leaned in completely to press his lips to mine.
Shocked, I pull away with a soft gasp. “Enver.” My cheeks burn as I shift backward. “Why did you do that?”
“I— Zaira, I’m sorry,” he stammers. “I just… It’s been so long since I last saw you, and all of these old feelings are rising up again. I’ve always felt something for you. I never thought I’d see you again and…well…”
I keep quiet for a few seconds, unsure what to say to that. “I’m…going to go in now,” I murmur. “To get some sleep.”
“Yes.” He nods quickly, taking the hint and stepping away. “Yes, of course. I’ll, uh…I’ll let you know when I hear from Captain Solyen.”
“Thanks.” I warily look him over once more before turning a fraction. “Good night, Enver.”
“Good night.”
I give him my back before he can say anything else, and hurry to the porch. Gripping the door handle, I glance over my shoulder to watch him walk away with his head hung and his shoulders sagging.
I didn’t give him the wrong impression, did I?
No, I’mpositiveI didn’t. He kissed me without permission. I’m sure his intentions were good, but still…
He’s just a friend. He’s always been a friend and nothing more. I suppose Gadonia has made him bolder.
“Now I see what he is to you.”
Startled, I gasp when I hear another deep voice come out of nowhere. Emerging from the shadows at the farthest end of the porch with a furrowed brow is Thane.
Chapter 39
Thane’s sleeveless black tunic shows off his muscled arms and a glimpse of the Divine tattoo on his forearm. In his left hand is the handle of one of his swords. The sharp silver blade gleams in the moonlight.
“Thane?” I look around, confused as to where the shadows he came from. “What are you doing out here?”
“About to train.”
“On the porch?”
“Behind the inn.”
“Oh.”
He steps closer, his boots thumping on the wooden floorboards.
“Were you eavesdropping?”
“Wasn’t intentional. I stepped around the corner, and there you two were.”
“You saw him kiss me?” I ask, avoiding a wince.
“Saw that. Heard everything. No wonder he’s been eyeing you like a desperate stray. He’s always loved you.” Thane is only a step away now, peering down at me with tense features. His hair looks curlier, moisturized, like he’s made use of the bath or has at least given himself a quick wash. “Even more reason for me not to like him.”
I fold my arms. “It isn’t like that with him.”
“He doesn’t seem to think so.”
“I don’t feel like talking about this.” I drop my arms and reach for the door handle again, but before I can open it, Thane’s hand wraps around mine, and he pulls it closed.
“Why didn’t you run off to his hut after that kiss?”
“Oh my Orvena.” I whirl around. “Stop it, Thane. I don’t care for him in that way.”
