He’s not. His voice drones on:
“When the Border Wars ended twenty-one years ago, it was because the northern fae, those from Aedys, suddenly ceased hostilities. The last battle occurred a few days later in the village of Oakhurst. The Ystyr fae attacked in force, and it seemed inevitable they would win the day as hundreds of civilians were forced to flee for their lives. But when the Order’s reinforcements arrived, they found the village abandoned and the fae border no closer than previously recorded…”
Class ends an excruciating bell later, and I practically leap from the bench into the crowd to escape my would-be companion. I cringe as someone tugs on my sleeve, bracing for the worst as I turn around.
Relief washes over me at the sight of beautiful cinnamon eyes.
“Ellie.”
I quickly scan the students filing out behind her for red hair. Catching a glimpse heading our way, I take Ellie’s hand and lead her down the hall, around a corner, to an empty corridor that catches the echoes of everyone’s departure. Candlelight flickers from the wall sconces, bathing us in a surprisingly sensual light for a lifeless hallway, despite the greasy tallow smell. The warm glow clings to Ellie’s skin, making me very aware that my lips could be doing that, too.
“Hiding from someone?” she asks as I check if anyone followed us.
“The girl sitting next to me made it very clear she had intentions for me.”
“Did she?” Ellie peeks back, too. “Too bad you belong to me.” Her eyes meet mine, and despite the boldness of her words, doubt shadows her face.
It makes my heart ache that she’d question that at all. I know I have a reputation, and by most people’s standards, we haven’t been taking things slow, but I want things to be different with her.
“I do.” Sliding my hands around her waist, I bring her close as I lean against the wall. She lights up with a smile that chases away the darkness, melting me with its radiance.
“Really?” she asks. “I wouldn’t know it based on how little I’ve seen you.”
She wraps her hands behind my neck, fingers twisting the curls of my hair, her confidence returning to her touch. Irritation at my mother for keeping me so busy bubbles up, but I pop it, keeping my focus entirely on Ellie.
“Trust me, I’m yours.” I bring my lips to hers, giving in to a kiss that pulls every ounce of tension out of me until there’s only her.
She smiles as we part, far too soon. “Do you have time now?”
A jab in my chest disrupts the cozy heat within. “I wish—I promised my mother I’d help at the shop.” Ellie’s hips relax into me as I adjust my grip on her waist. “The equinox is coming up. It’s one of the busiest times of the year for her, and she can’t sort through all the deliveries on her own. The money from all the new dresses for the ball keeps us fed for most of the year.”
“What ball?”
“The Equinox Ball. It’s one of the few times a year they actually make this place look fancy. You’ll love it.” I hesitate, my pulse quickening. “You should go with me.”
Ellie’s eyes practically glow. “I’d love to.”
It’s more than I can bear. I lift her onto her toes, peppering her with kisses until she lets me in. She tightens her grip in my hair, twisting as she pulls me closer.
My hands slide down her hips, ready to wrap around her ass and hoist her up, pulling her legs around me so I can push her against the opposite wall. But the instant they curl around her backside, she jerks back, breathless.
“What are you doing?”
“Uh… kissing you?”
Her face burns bright pink. “Someone could walk down this hallway any second.”
“Sounds like their problem.” But I let go of her, holding my hands up in surrender. I may not care, but the last thing I want is to make her uncomfortable.
She straightens her blouse. “You said you had work to do? Anything I can help with?”
None of my girlfriends have ever offered that before. While nothing would make me happier, if Mother’s around, she could ruin everything. “You can,” I say slowly, “but if my mother’s there, it might be best if you head back.”
Ellie’s face falls. “Does she not like me?”
“She doesn’t like anybody. I just don’t want her making you uncomfortable.”
Ellie idly strokes my arm as she considers. “Alright. But if she’s there, I’m at least saying hello. She needs to get used to me.” She presses closer, giving me a quick kiss on the lips. “Because you’re mine, and I’m not letting anyone scare me away.”
