Rynn’s smile turned into a frown. “You’re losing your Prince Charming title.”
“You, my dear, are being treated to a rare moment of honesty from me,” I grunted.
“Oh?” Rynn looked around.
“What are you looking for?”
“Just waiting to see if the castle is going to fall into a sinkhole or something.”
“You’re hilarious,” I rolled my eyes. “I have a proposition for you.”
Her eyes went to my lower half that was tucked under the blankets. “Not interested.”
“I think you’re at least a little interested, given that workout you gave your fingers back at the outpost.” Rynn narrowed her eyes at me, but I didn’t miss the faint blush cross her cheeks. Ha! Misshapen abs, my ass. “But that’s not actually what I’m talking about.”
“Okay,” she drawled, “so what are you propositioning?”
For a second, I almost changed my mind. This was a dangerous idea that could go wrong in so many ways. The bet I’d made with Cade had been a bit foolish, and I’d mostly made it out of pride, but the fallout from that going sideways would be nothing compared to what would happen if I continued. There was nothing personal about the bet. Not for me anyway.
Technically, what I was proposing would actually help me win, but that wasn’t why I was doing it. No. I was doing this purely for selfish reasons, because I wanted to fall asleep curled around Rynn. I wanted to experience that feeling of contentment that I’d never shared with anyone other than him, but Warrick and I had been on the outs for years now. Despite what Cade thought, there was no fixing it.
Fuck it.
“We still have several more nights of traveling together, and perhaps we’ll do so again in the future. What if, on those nights, we share a bed and don’t put a foot of space between us?” Her eyes narrowed again, and I quickly clarified. “We’ll keep things platonic, of course.”
“Okay . . .” She chewed on her bottom lip. “To what end?”
I swallowed. “On those nights. We . . . pretend. That I’m just a traveler with a fucked-up past who wants a night of peaceful sleep.”
“And me?” she asked quietly. “What am I on those nights?”
“You . . .” I reached out to stroke her jaw. “You’re just a wolf in need of a pack. One that has your back. One that wants you with no strings attached.”
A look of pure longing flashed across her face before she crushed it. “But it would be a lie.”
“No,” I corrected her, “it would be pretend.”
When Rynn didn’t say anything, I scooted across the bed until we were touching, and I wrapped my arm over her while tucking her head underneath my chin. She went rigid for a few seconds before slowly sinking into my warmth.
“And then what?” she murmured.
I closed my eyes and breathed in her rich scent. “We dream of a world where the lie is the truth.”
Chapter Twelve
Rynn
Bastian was confusing, and I didn’t like it. That was what I had settled on after thinking over what had happened last night since waking this morning—in his arms. I was honestly surprised my racing heart hadn’t woken him up as I’d snuck out of bed.
I already had enough confusing feelings in my life thanks to Ryker. The last thing I needed was more.
Although last night had been the most peaceful slumber I’d had in a while. And I knew that was because I’d been wrapped up in Bastian’s arms, taking in his scent with every breath.
What would Cali have said in this situation?
“No dick is worth that much trouble.”
I laughed under my breath as I quietly made my way down the winding stairs that led to the sublevels beneath the castle. It was just before dawn, and I had to hurry if I wanted to slip out between the shift change. I’d left Bastian a note, reminding him that I was researching some things and that I’d see him tonight. He’d be busy dealing with my father and uncle for most of the day anyway.
