“You should be! It was fun.”
“I can tell.”
“You, like, tap your glass… like,boom, boom, boom.” I show him the movements and as I do, a lock of hair falls forward in front of my eyes. He reaches across the space between us and swipes the hair back, tucking it behind my ear.
Without thought, and running on pure adrenaline, I reach up on my tiptoes and kiss him.
His mouth is reluctant beneath mine and it sends reality crashing in.
I yank back. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I did that. Maybe I am drunk. That was truly an awful thing to do. You have no memories. You’ve had a horrible day. You barely know me and—”
He grabs my arm, his hand wrapping around my wrist. His touch, the cool press of his fingers, makes me instantly shut up.
“Don’t apologize for being bold, Kansas.” His green eyes reflect the light from beyond the window. There is amusement there. Not anger or disgust.
I breathe out.
“I admire boldness,” he adds. “But regardless of that, ozrum can make fools of the best of us.” He points to the street below where a group of East Enders are linked arm in arm, singing a celebration song at the top of their lungs.
I laugh. “True.”
“Can I tell you a secret, Kansas?”
“Of course.”
“I like it when you laugh.”
Heat rises up my throat and flames across my cheeks.
This kindness is no different from any kindness Edward gifted me.
So why does itfeeldifferent?
Why does it feel like the floor has disappeared beneath me and I’m weightless?
“Thank you.”
Rook dips down and plants a chaste kiss on my cheek. Somehow it’s more intimate than the kiss I gave him.
“Thank you for saving me, Kansas.”
“It was nothing—” I start, but he cuts me off.
“I don’t know how long I was tied to that pole, but I could have died out there. The doctor said I lost a lot of blood. His theory was that whoever did this intended for me to die a slow death.”
“Really? That’s awful.”
He nods. “You truly did save me.”
“Well… I’m happy I was there.” A yawn sneaks up on me and I cover it with my hand. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“You should rest,” he says. “It’s been a long day.”
“I suppose you’re right. Apparently, the Hollow is planning a celebration tomorrow and I’m the guest of honor.”
“That’s nice of them.”
“Will you come?”
