Page 103 of Fallen Gods

I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut.

“We can blame the runes.” She lets out a rough exhale. “Right?”

I try to gather my thoughts, but all I have swimming around my brain is the need to kiss her again, to really taste her. My body hums with the need to possess her. Sure, they used to say the Giants devoured their prey in ancient times, but those were just myths, legends to scare people away. I need a minute. A moment to think clearly. I don’t want to be the monster.

My hands are shaking, my head pulsing right along with the runes. I need a distraction. I glance up. She’s moved on to fixing her hair like it’s offensive that any inch of it would be out of place.

I almost laugh. “You used to not care.”

Her head jerks up. “What?”

I grit my teeth. Focus. Get through this conversation.You aren’t losing control—yet.

“The night of…” I try to power through. “The night of the broken engagement. Your hair was a mess, but you seemed so carefree, and I liked it.” I shrug. “I liked you. Kind of.”

Her eyes narrow. “Um, thank you? I think? Though apparently you didn’t like me enough to say yes.”

“I wouldn’t have wished a betrothal to appease Odin on my worst enemy.”

“Case in point?” She chuckles. “Okay, my turn.” She takes a small step toward me. “I hated you then. You were beautiful—”

“Were?” I prod, for my own ego and also to see her smile again.

“Are you going to let me talk, Giant?”

I like this side of her. “Go ahead.”

“Anyway.” She crosses her arms. “I don’t get embarrassed easily. I swear Odin just beat it out of my brain, but I was that day. Not one of my finer moments.”

“Because of your hair?” I’m struggling to understand.

Her eyes are unwavering. She may as well be staring right through me. “Because you were this tall, beautiful, powerful person, and I was embarrassed that my father was offering me to you like a sacrifice—a sacrifice that, by all appearances, wasn’t even worthy. I don’t blame you for taking one look and walking away.”

My entire world shifts in that moment.

Does she really see herself that way? “Rey, there was nothing to be embarrassed about. You were perfect. I didn’t want to keep you because you weren’t mine to take in the first place. And you sure as hell weren’t Odin’s property to bargain with.”

She takes a step toward me, then seems to think twice and spins away. I’m left staring at her back and hearing her make soft sounds as she wipes her eyes.

Is she crying?

“For the record, you’re still beautiful. Even if I don’t like you.”

“You’re still tall.”

“Wow.” I take a soothing breath. “Careful with the compliments. It’s never good to overdo it.”

“Noted.”

I clear my throat and glance away. “Hey, since we have a very temporary ceasefire until we find Mjölnir, and we’re actually talking without arguing, can I ask a question?”

She smiles at that and makes herself comfortable on the ground. “Wow, colder than I thought. And sure.”

I hesitate and realize the out-of-control feeling is gone.

I slowly walk up to her, then sit on the ground and pull her into my lap.

She shivers against my chest. “Heroic.”