Page 54 of The Last Aether

“Aura, please. Just because I have to pretend to be in a relationship with her, doesn’t mean anything.”

I stared at Riven dumbfounded. “Wait. You’re planning on keeping up your fake relationship charade?”

“I have to. It helps keep my father at bay, off our trail—”

I held up a hand, cutting him off. “I don’t care.” My insides twisted into a series of intricate knots. “You’ve made me feel like less than dirt from the moment I’ve met you. If you think I’m going to be your filthy little secret, you don’t know me at all.”

Shoving past him, I headed for the door. “I’m going to breakfast.”

The door slammed behind me, but the shouting that followed carried through the wood. I forced myself to ignore it. I’d given enough of my care and worry to Riven. I was done.

30

I started down the stone path and was immediately flanked by two guards. I fought the urge to snarl at them both. But none of this was their fault.

Casting a quick look over my shoulder, I took them in. One was unfamiliar to me but looked as if he might’ve been from the air kingdom. The other was the one who had spoken to Phoenix the day they’d first arrived. Egan, I thought his name was.

I turned back to the path ahead of me, letting out a shaky breath. The tremor was from sheer pissed-off frustration. The nerve of that pompous, lying jerk. A pompous, lying jerk who risked everything to save your life, an unhelpful voice in my head reminded me.

I only walked faster. As if that would help me escape the nagging feeling that I might have reacted too harshly just now.

An ache settled deep in my chest. I didn’t know how I would be able to trust Riven again and asking me to stay a secret in the shadows wouldn’t make any of that easier. I didn’t think he had any idea just how much that hurt.

And he wouldn’t if I didn’t have a conversation with him like an adult instead of throwing a tantrum like I just had. My steps faltered. Shit.

I was just about to turn around when a hand latched onto my elbow and jerked me to the side. A burst of air left my hand on instinct, shoving the person hard and sending them tumbling to the ground.

Eva cursed as she righted herself, dusting off her uniform. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

I glared at her. “You grabbed me out of nowhere, and if you haven’t heard, there have been a few attempts on my life lately.”

The guards at my side shared a look of apprehension.

Eva gave them a smile that was saccharine-sweet. “Can you give me and my friend a moment to talk? You can keep us in line of sight. I just want a little privacy.”

The guard I hadn’t seen before nodded instantly and stepped back. Egan looked a bit more wary but eventually did the same. I didn’t miss that he also pulled a cell phone out of his pocket and began dialing.

“You have a lot of nerve,” Eva hissed.

My gaze snapped back to her. “Excuse me?”

“You’re putting Riven through hell. He was a wreck last night.”

Last night sent daggers through my heart, but I shoved the feeling down. My eyes narrowed on Eva. “You have no idea what he’s put me through. And shoving your nose in business that isn’t yours is the last thing we need.”

Red crept up Eva’s chest and neck. “Riven will always be my business.”

I stilled, studying the woman across from me. When Riven had told me there was nothing but friendship between the two, I’d read honesty in his words. But Eva’s behavior now told me that she might see things differently.

“He told me there’s nothing going on between you two.”

Eva flushed a shade of crimson rarely seen in the natural world. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

I wanted to scream. Loudly and for at least a good minute. “I don’t have time for some pissing contest over Riv—”

Eva grabbed my arm, her fingernails digging into my skin so hard I knew they would leave marks. “You don’t have any idea the risk you’re putting him in. I won’t let you hurt him.”

“Let her go. Right. Fucking. Now,” Phoenix growled from behind me.