Page 76 of Rite of Unity

“This is…”

“No one makes whitefish like The Eden.It’s my favorite,” Elias confided.

“I think it’s my favorite too.Can we have it next time?”I froze, my next bite hovering in the air as I stared at him.

“We can have it every time.”

I smiled again, taking my next bite.This time, a small sound did escape my lips.

When our plates were cleaned, I wished I wasn’t wearing gloves so I could run my finger along the surface, lapping up the last of the juices.

I settled for another sip of wine.

“Will you tell me more?About you?”Elias’s hopeful stare loosened something in my chest.

I set my glass down.

“I love the water.”I traced the rim of my glass with one finger.“I've always dreamed of seeing the lake up close.”

He smiled, his eyes sparkling as his gaze met mine.

An hour later, Elias wrapped his coat over my shoulders and escorted me to his car.I slid in feeling freer and more relaxed than I had in a long time.

With a full stomach and wine in my veins, I was pleasantly drowsy.Tonight, I would get some much needed rest.

I leaned toward Elias, resting my head on his shoulder.His warmth and his scent wrapped around me; I curled toward him, my eyes drifting closed.

It was a matter of moments before he was gently shaking me awake.

“We’re here.”

I sat up, blinking.The evening, the car ride, and the other women sleeping in rooms down the hall from mine all rushed back in at once.I straightened, putting space between us.

“Thank you.”

He turned toward me.I could feel him watching before our eyes met.The weight of someone looking at your mouth.

“I want to kiss you.”

I blinked, wide awake now.Heat crept up my chest.Suddenly he was too close, too warm.I didn’t know where to put my hands.

“I…”

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.“I’m not asking.Just admitting how I feel.”

He turned and pushed open my door, holding out his hand.I took it, sliding the jacket from my shoulders and handing it back.Before I could turn, he caught my hand and tugged it to his mouth.

Even through my glove, I could feel his warm breath.

“Good night, Maryn Veil.”

I smiled, cheeks burning, and turned to go inside.

Chapter 19

Elias

Ileanedagainstthecar,watching as the door slid closed.Her scent, honey and oats, still lingered inside my coat as images of her smile, her eyes alight with amusement, filled my mind.