Page 53

“Then tell me.”

I look away.

“Some things are better left forgotten.”

She laughs without humor.

“That’s convenient, considering you’re one of the Forgotten.”

My jaw tightens.

“Calla.”

“No. You don’t get to do that.”

“Do what?”

“Decide what’s best for me without giving me the information I need to make my own decisions.”

She moves directly in front of me.

Her dark hair falls over one shoulder. Her brown eyes flash with irritation.

And despite everything, I want to kiss her.

Sweet gods of the underworld, I want to kiss her.

I want to lift her onto the kitchen counter, bury my face against her neck, and forget that anything exists beyond the walls of this ridiculous little apartment.

Instead, I step away.

“You must leave.”

She catches my hand.

The sensation strikes immediately.

Warmth.

Softness.

That extraordinary current of pleasure that exists only when her skin touches mine.

My breath catches.

She notices.

“Stop doing that,” she whispers.

“Doing what?”

“Pulling away every time you get scared.”

I look down at her.

“I’m not frightened.”

“Then look me in the eye and tell me you don’t want me here.”