“But you have a long life ahead.” I spoke softly so he wouldn’t hear my voice shake. “You could change your mind.”
“I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.” He took another bite of steak.
That was when I realized Tane was good at avoidance when things got uncomfortable.
The lunch was fantastic, the meat thick and juicy, the vegetables perfectly cooked. But this situation had my stomach in knots.
“What about me?” I asked.
“You? You wouldn’t ever have to worry about anything. You’ll be safe.”
“You keep saying that. I know I would. That you would keep your word. But what about me? I mean,” I gulped, looking up. “My future.”
Now he met my gaze. “You don’t—” He stopped himself abruptly.
I bit at my lower lip. “You were going to say I don’t have a future, right?”
His eyes darkened. His brows narrowed. “You are technically not—” He stopped himself again. “You’re very vulnerable. That’s what I meant to say.”
“I know. Because I have no rights.”
Tane stopped eating. “I hear you.”
My water glass sparkled from condensation. I picked it up but didn’t drink.
“Kirion.”
When he said my name, a sharp pain went through me. I put the glass to my lips and took a sip so I didn’t have to reply. At least, not right away.
“I do hear you,” he repeated. “Honestly, this situation is not fair to you. I feel like my hands are tied, too.”
Maybe I was overstepping, but I couldn’t hold back my next words. “But it was fair enough for you to attend the auction, bid and win me.”
He looked like he was holding his breath. After a few seconds, he said, “What do you want me to do? Send you back?”
My heart flipped. The edges of my eyes heated. Rohan would simply sell me again and Tane knew it. I could end up at a brothel or farm. Or worse, with an abusive alpha who would make Malin look like a saint.
“I can’t go back,” I whispered.
I clutched my water glass so hard there was a sudden snap. I didn’t realize what had happened until liquid spilled everywhere. Then red drops fell onto the tablecloth. Blood.Myblood.
Tane jumped up, white napkin in hand, and ran around the table to me.
“Kirion. Are you okay?”
I was still clutching the broken glass, not feeling anything but numb shock.
Tane cupped my hand as I opened it and the broken glass fell. “The glass broke.” I spoke in a monotone. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re hurt.” He pressed his napkin over my open palm. “Elias,” he called. “Bring the first aid kit.”
Elias ran into the room, saw the damage I’d done, and hurried off.
“I’m okay.” I started to stand and that was when the pain hit. My hand stung. I let out a groan of pain.
“Sit back down,” Tane ordered. “Let me look.”
I sort of fell back into my chair, Tane holding my hand in his.
