“What do you mean?”
“Back home.” My stomach starts to hurt. “In Kansas. His name is Edward.”
Rook tilts his head. I expected him to be angry. I kissed him, after all. But I swear there’s a smirk threatening to appear at the corner of his mouth. “What is his claim to you?”
“I’m not sure what you mean?”
“In Kansas, commitment, where does it begin? Where does it end?”
“Oh. Well… first it’s boyfriend and girlfriend. That’s where the commitment starts. Then engagement. Then marriage.”
“Are you married to Edward then?”
The band’s music gains momentum, and the crowd starts to cheer.
“No.”
“Engaged?”
“Not technically.” I look away, wringing my hands. “He did ask me to marry him.”
“And what did you say?”
I meet his eyes. “I didn’t answer him.”
“Why not?”
Oh god. My ears ring.
I know why I didn’t answer and I know why I don’t want to answer Edward, because I want to say no, and I’m terrified of breaking his heart, but more than that I’m afraid of what comes after.
I’m afraid that I will always be alone, unable to let anyone in.
“I—”
Rook wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me to him and kisses me.
There is no reluctance from him now.
His mouth meets mine just as the band crescendos and I swear lightning burns through my veins.
I’m hot and electric.
Rook takes charge, spinning me around, pushing me against the nearest wall.
A breath stutters down my throat.
His hand comes up to the back of my neck, fingers pressing hard against my nape.
He has full control, immediately, and I am boneless beneath his demands.
A groan escapes him, the sound humming against my lips.
A thrill sinks from my navel, down between my legs.
I can’t breathe.
I don’t want to return home to Edward.
