“Not for me!”
Zeke gives me a blank look, but his tone is even more devoid of emotion. “Unlike Seth, my world doesn’t revolve around you, princess.”
“Well, maybe it should since I’m the only with any sense around here.”
I’m so racked with worry I don’t even catch on to the ruse until it’s too late. It doesn’t even occur to me that Zeke is leading me up the cliff to get me alone until we’re standing at the top and he quickly takes my hand.
“I’ve been wondering all day how I was going to get you away from them.”
Okay, now I’m confused. “Why would you need to get me away?”
Zeke huffs in frustration. “Because my brothers are overbearing, meddling bastards, and it’s impossible to talk to you or even get near you without them hovering.”
“I don’t want you to jump,” I plead when I realize he’s standing near the cliff again. “Please?”
“Tell me what happened that day, and I won’t.”
“I told you already.Nothinghappened. Why won’t you let it go?”
“Because nothing has made sense since I woke up, and it all leads back to you.”
“Well, if you feel that way, then jump. See if I care.” I go to storm back down the path when Zeke snatches my hand and yanks me back. I stumble into him, and Zeke pinches my chin between his thumb and forefinger to pull me even closer.
“Is it me you’re really afraid for, or is it Seth, princesa?”
“Why does it even matter when you clearly don’t care about yourself?”
“I care.”
“Yeah, it really seems like it,” I toss back sarcastically.
“I won’t jump,” he promises.
“What are you telling me for?” I say as I cut my gaze away. “I don’t care.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Zeke smiling at me, and his teasing makes me irrationally angry. “Is this the real reason why you pulled me up here?” I ask. “To interrogate me more and make me feel even more awful than I already do?”
It’s a long time before Zeke answers, and I almost believe he won’t. “No, princesa. I never want to make you feel awful.”
“Could have fooled me,” I grumble.
Zeke takes my face in his hands and tilts my head back. “It’s not the reason,” he repeats firmly.
“Then why? If not that, why bring me up here? Why get me alone?”
“To do this.” Zeke presses his lips against mine, and the roaring in my ears rivals that of the waterfall. I must make some sound of distress because he stops just as abruptly. “I’m sorry.”
“You kissed me.”
“Yeah, princess. I did.”
My hand reaches up and curls around his nape. I feel his dark hair brushing my fingers, and I can’t help stretching them toward the strands. “We’re kissing now?”
Forehead pressed to mine, Zeke nods with eyes closed. “If that’s okay with you.”
“It’s been okay since I mistook you for Seth and you shoved me into the snow.”
Zeke winces at the reminder. “I’m sorry about that.” Eyes low as if drugged, he kisses me again before I can tell him it’s okay. That I understand why.
