Page 247 of Ashen Torment

I breathe deeply, letting the air out through my nose.

“What I mean is that the same reasoning applies to you, Richard. And you know perfectly well what I am alluding to.”

He runs a hand through his hair, mussing it with a nervous gesture, then looks away.

“Nathaniel is apprehensive as well.”

At those words, he sits back down.

“I know, Evander. Truly... I know.”

I reach out my hand and tap the back of his with two fingers.

His lips curve into a weary smile. “Precisely because I am aware of it, I do not wish for you to also...”

I squeeze his hand, cutting him off.

“That will not happen. You can be sure of it.”

My grip is firm. “You know well that I do not let myself be swept away by such... emotions.”

“And that is precisely the error.”

I withdraw my hand and give a slight shrug.

“You are headstrong.”

“And you are no less so.”

He takes another scone and bites into it.

“In the worst-case scenario,” I add softly, “I can always set him on fire.”

He freezes, then coughs, bringing his napkin to his lips.

“I see,” he retorts, once recovered. “It seems you are not the one I should fear for.”

I lean back against the chair, letting a sense of satisfaction wash over me.

“Exactly.”

“Perhaps I should inform Dorian,” he observes, “as a matter of simple precaution.”

I take a scone from the plate and toss it at him without warning, hitting him in the chest.

“Stop it.”

Richard looks down, brushes his waistcoat with two fingers, then raises both hands in a peacemaking gesture.

“As you wish. I shall say nothing. Nor shall I ask questions.”

I nod.

“I will not tell Nate either,” he adds, “though he is no fool, so...”

I turn toward the window. The morning light filters in at an angle, still pale.

“I am going to Gunter’s this afternoon,” he resumes. “Will you join me?”