Page 48

Reaching for the satchel, I pull out my notebook and flip through the pages until I find one of a young man with features similar to mine. “This is my older brother.” The words leave my mouth full of conviction as the memory returns. “I remember him now.”

Ren’s brow furrows. “Are you certain?”

A smile lights my face as joy fills my chest. “Yes.”

Ren studies the image, his gaze flicking between the page and my face. “Thank the gods.” I frown in confusion and he flashes a devilish grin. “For a moment, I thought he was yet another rival for your affections.”

I bite back a smile at his teasing even as his words threaten to break my resolve. Part of me wishes I could ignore my search for the truth of my past, and give in to my heart, which tells me that I want him and only him.

He flips between the image of Prince Theron. “You know, I feel sorry for him actually.”

“Why?”

“I doubt he’s as charming or as funny as me.” He tilts his head, studying Theron’s image. “And he’s definitely not as handsome.” He sighs dramatically. “Really, I pity him, having tocompete with all of this.” He gestures to himself. “There’s simply no contest.”

I laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”

“It’s true,” he jokes. “All the males in my family are irresistible.”

My laughter fades, trailing off into silence as our eyes lock, and Ren's teasing smile slips away, replaced by something deeper, something infinitely more tender. The unspoken longing mirrored in the rapid pounding of my heart.

His gaze flicks down to my mouth and before I can second-guess myself, I lift my face and close the small gap between us. Fluttering warmth spreads through my chest as I press my lips to his, wrapping my arms around the back of his neck.

The kiss is sweet and achingly gentle. He cups my face, his thumb brushing along my cheekbone. Every gentle touch of his lips feels like a promise, tender and hesitant, filled with everything we can’t yet say aloud.

My fingers tremble as I run them through his silken hair.

He curls his arms around my back, holding me as though I’m something precious, his touch reverent, and his kiss a soft exploration that makes my heart squeeze with longing.

But suddenly, the image of Theron flashes vividly through my mind—his blue eyes haunted and desperate as he reaches for me. My breath catches, and I pull back, breaking the kiss as guilt slices through my chest like a blade.

“I—I can’t do this,” my voice comes out barely a whisper as I blink back tears. “I’m sorry. I need time. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Ren nods. “It’s all right,” he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

His words break my heart. “It’s not fair of me to ask you to wait while I figure this out. I feel terrible because I—”

“Do you feel anything for me?” His eyes search mine. “I know I have no right to ask, but I—” He clenches his jaw as if what he wants to say is too painful before he continues. “I need to know.”

“I do.” Sadness tightens my chest at the hope that burns in his gaze. “But it’s not that simple.” I shake my head. “How can we have a future, if I don’t remember my past? What if I was betrothed to Prince Theron? What if I loved him, Ren?”

“But what if you didn’t?” he counters. “What if you’re not his lost betrothed?”

“Until we know for sure”—I look down at my hands—“I cannot give you my heart when I don’t know if I’ve already promised it to someone else.”

“But you want to.” His words are a statement, not a question as his gaze holds mine, full of yearning.

I want so much to say yes, but I cannot. I draw in a shaking breath as devastation floods my veins. “We cannot keep doing this,” I murmur. “Not until we know for sure.”

“You’re right. Forgive me.” He dips his chin. “I vow that I will not kiss you again, unless you ask.” He offers me a faint smile that does not touch his eyes. He starts to turn away, but instead looks back at me, arching a teasing brow. “But as far as my natural charm, it’s not something I can simply turn off.”

“Of course not.” My heart clenches as I follow his lead to lighten the mood, and joke in return. “You are a Fox after all.”

He flashes a devastatingly handsome grin as he winks. “And everyone knows that Foxes are naturally charismatic and charming.”

Despite my sadness, laughter bubbles up in my throat.

“Now,” he says. “Are you ready to continue with our adventure?”