Page 101 of Seduce & Destroy

“I guess, I did.”

“I’ve told you before, I forgive you. And I’m already working with your family to rebuild. Forget the names, do you love me?”

She stood with sudden anger. “It’s not about that!”

“It can be.”

“But my family…”

“We can work it out.”

Her shoulders dropped, it was a rarity when that happened. Usually, her relaxed but rigid stance showed her confidence. I am nothing but glad that she was able to show me her vulnerable side.

“Thank you, princess.” Walking around the fire, she sat beside me and hugged me, her hair in my face. It kinda smelled smoky. I pulled away quickly and checked the fire, grabbing at my stick.

“Aw man, my marshmallow is basically melting off the stick.”

Kilina came up behind, took the skewer from my hand and ate the marshmallow in one bite. “Perfect for me.”

Later that night, we laid side by side on the blanket and gazed up at the stars for hours. When I got cold, she dragged a blanket over my body, securing it with her arm around my waist. She pointed out the constellations and visible planets. This was a view that I neglected, it made me feel smaller in my isolation at the realisation of the vastness of the universe.

But that feeling of loneliness was replaced.

We fell asleep somewhere between three or four in the morning after she sang a soft melody. I wasn’t sure, I didn’t look at my phone once. I just cherished the feeling of having someone beside me.

Chapter 32

KILINA

Burned bridges only stopped people too afraid to swim. I was ready to risk drowning. However, that was a simple thing to say in your head, but to my dad, it didn’t go down a treat. The exchange of frustrated pleas and unconvinced yells made me feel like a teenager again.

“What happened to your pride in the family name? You’re not going to fight for us? Against them.”

“I am.” I was so certain of it I could scream. “I fight for us, always, but I finally found something to fight for. For me.”

“You gallivant the Ravencroft girl around the place. She has the enemy name, Kil. You can’t love Ravencroft. Your mama might be okay with it, but I am not!”

“Too late.” I shrugged, tears welling in my eyes. “I will fight for her without names. Without tokens of resentment. But for the girl that I love.”

“Love?” Daddy spat. “This is just infatuation. This isn’t love. You barely know her, she doesn’t know you.”

“It is and she does. Daddy, don’t pretend you don’t know the feeling.”

“It’s because I know the feeling that I tell you, don’t do this.”

“Accept it, Daddy. She’s part of me.”

He sighed, deeply. My tears now free flowing as my breath came out stunted and haggard. His expression troubled between uncertain outrage and outright defeat, and I didn’t know which one I’d prefer.

And I certainly hadn’t thought sympathy was what he’d land on. “If that’s all true, then, why did you let her go?”

“For the cause. For our name. I came here to tell you I was wrong. You are wrong. I’m glad she came back because look at this.” I lifted my arms up. “All that you’ve got. Is any of it worth it without the people you love?”

He shut his eyes, but I knew I had him.

“I need to meet her before I trust her. Officially.”

I nodded. “Of course, daddy.”