83
GAbrIEL
After we’d picked up all the cards, we heard something scratching at the door.
When Emersyn opened the door to Fang, Seven eyed the beast warily and insisted it was definitely a wolf.
Emersyn had just smiled softly and ruffled his ears, then left to go let him out into the backyard.
We both watched her leave, and the room felt less full when she was gone.
I thought back on the moment yesterday in the forest when I’d almost kissed her.
I probably would have if North hadn’t appeared at the treeline.
Now, it was all I thought about. Would she have kissed me back?
Or pushed me away? I’d never been this conflicted about a woman before.
I usually just jumped first and asked questions later.
But, Emersyn wasn’t like that—she’d had things taken from her for her entire life.
I didn’t want to be like that. I didn’t want to remind her of any part of her nightmares.
“Jesus, what are you thinking about?” Seven asked.
I pulled my hands away from where I’d buried my face in them. I thought he’d been napping, but he looked very much awake as he looked at me skeptically.
“I almost kissed her,” I admitted.
His concern bled into a smirk. “Ah.”
“I’m just in my head about it,” I grumbled.
“Well, I think you should make it happen,” Seven said. “I’m giving you so much time to make a move,” he went on. “Cause once I get out of this bed, I’m making a move and I’d rather you did it first—”
“What are you talking about?”
“Just in case she stabs you or something,” Seven grinned.
“Of course you’re making this into a competition,” I said irritably.
“Who said that?” Seven sighed. “I’m not going to make her choose.”
“You think she’ll go for that?”
“I think you’re getting ahead of yourself,” Seven said evenly. “You haven’t even made a move yet.”
I sighed heavily and leaned back in the chair. “I’d be okay with that,” I admitted.
Seven scoffed lightly. “I should hope so. You’re stuck with me, man.”
We stared at each other for a long moment. “Besides,” Seven sniffed. “I almost died, so—”
“Oh, absolutely not,” I exclaimed, but a grin broke out despite myself. “You do not get to pull the death card.”
Seven’s eyes narrowed playfully. “One day I’ll be able to tease you about it, and when that day comes, I’m going to be unstoppable.”
I shook my head at his antics, and we settled into a comfortable silence.
“Will you tell me how you got off the island now?” I asked.
Seven frowned. “It’s kind of a strange story, honestly.
” He sighed. “I was thrown down the cliff by the explosion—that wasn’t fun, I’ll tell you that much.
10/10 do not recommend. Mahoney’s men made it down and found me on the beach.
I managed to lead them away, but I was not at my fastest so they caught up pretty easily. ”
My earlier humor evaporated as I envisioned him alone on that beach without backup. My stomach revolted, and I hated myself for leaving him. That same devastating wave of anger and grief washed over me. How would I ever forgive myself for doing that to him?