Page 78 of Heimlock

My grin is so easy, it’s almost unfamiliar. “Home. Do you need a ride home?”

I’m certain if the sun were out, I’d see her cheeks pinken. “Um, yeah. Actually. Since you apparently don’t get tired or anything.”

“This is true. Don’t forget it.” When I wink at her, Kyrielle looks away, her cheek twitching with a suppressed smile. Breaking the tension, I swing an arm over her shoulders. “Come on, Firefly. Let’s get you home.”

31

Something has shifted between us, but I can’t name it yet. Tonight was about showing a sliver of vulnerability in exchange for his — instead, we murdered someone today.

And what was that, with the ponytail pulling? Good goddesses, that was fucking hot. The second he tugged, my thighs wanted to offer a free use open invitation. I’m so confused right now. This push and pull between us is maddening. It might be easier if we just fuck it out, but I’m not sure that’s the best solution.

After Fynn’s warning, I knew baiting Trinte like this meant I was committing to more than sex. It’s still to be determined what that “more” entails, but as much as I’d like to, at minimum, kiss him … whatever this is between us deserves more than that.

Which is equal parts terrifying and … actually, no, it’s all terrifying. I don’t do relationships. After what my mother put us through, I have no desire to risk the possibility of the same. It’s not just about the battle gym — it’s about looking like a fool.

But the more I get to truly know ‌Trinte, I get the sense that he feels the same way. Can two people afraid of being made fools find a path together?

I’m not sure what’s going through his head, but as Trinte lets me hitch a ride home, he’s quiet. At this time of night, Gondora is mostly empty. Most of the sound comes from the wind under Trinte’s wings and the steady beating of his heart.

An arm wrapped around a horn, I trail a finger around one of the larger scales on his head. It’s warm and buttery to the touch. If only I’d paid more attention to the feel of it in my hands when I’d had the chance.

There are a lot of things I’d do differently. Unfortunately, the sole thing possible at this point is figuring out how to move forward.

What are you thinking?

Trinte’s warm, velvet voice jerks me out of my thoughts.

“Nothing,” I say hurriedly.

He snorts. You appeared to be quite lost in your thoughts.

Sighing, I lay my hand flat on his hide. “Okay, you caught me. I was thinking about how things might’ve been if we had made different choices.”

I’m not sure it’s wise to have this discussion.

“You asked,” I shoot back.

He’s quiet for a moment. You’re right. My apologies. Continue.

“Thank you,” I say primly. Trailing a finger around one of his thicker spikes, I admit, “What I was actually thinking was that it’s too late to change what’s happened, so it’s a matter of figuring out how to move forward.”

Did you discover any possibilities?

“No.” I nibble on my lip, afraid of ruining this delicate truce we’ve developed.

If it makes you feel any better, I’ve thought about it, too.

“Did you come up with anything?”

Hole up in a bedroom for six days, endless bottles of water, room service, and no cell service.

I bark out a laugh. “That’s certainly one solution.”

There’s a stretch of silence before he admits, I’ve thought about quitting the gym.

This statement makes my heart jump into my throat. “You have?”

Mmhmm. I’ve considered what would’ve happened if we hadn’t spoken about it that evening. Maybe even gone on a few dates until we found out.