Page 58

Irritation runs through me. I scoot away and take my hand from his. “My dad would never kill anyone, much less his own flesh and blood!”

“Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you. I didn't say I believe the rumors. For all we know, that sea cow who tried to kill you started them.”

I hold his gaze, getting lost in the depths of his eyes. I look away, not wanting to forgive so easily.

Bash moves closer, then wraps his arm around me, pulling me against him. He’s warm. His embrace, comforting. I want to shove him away, but find myself leaning into him. Taking him in. Accepting his… I don’t even know what. It’s hard to think with him so freaking close. I don’t even know why I was annoyed with him.

“We have more in common than you might think, princess.”

I don’t bother to tell him not to call me that. “Like what?”

“Everyone talks about us. They distrust us. Don't know what we’ll do.”

He has a point. “Can I ask you something?”

“You just did.”

I nudge him. “I’m serious.”

“Ask away, but I won’t tell you about how I lost my ability to shift.”

“I wasn’t going to ask about that.”

“What, then?”

“How are you in the Royal school? Is your family in the royal line?”

He nods. “Of course. But I won’t play by the rules.”

“Why not?”

“Because politics are a joke. I want nothing to do with them.”

“Isn’t that what the academy is training you for?”

“Sure, but that’s not what I’m going to do once I’m free.”

“You’re going to go pro with your band?”

Bash leans his head on mine. “That’s the plan. Nobody appreciates us here, but when we perform in town, we sell out every time.”

“See? I told you that you guys are good.”

“Never denied it.”

“Didn’t you?”

He laughs.

I move so that I can look at him. I love the way the skin around his eyes crinkles when he genuinely smiles. His eyes seem even brighter.

He stops laughing and meets my gaze. Tilts his head. Draws in a deep breath.

I lean closer and put my hand back on his. He flips it over and threads his fingers through mine. Leans closer. Our noses nearly touch.

“We’re completely wrong for each other.” His voice is gruff, sends a ripple of excitement through me. Makes goose bumps form on my skin.

I clear my throat. “I know.”