Page 12 of Jorax (Arixxia Fields #4)

Chapter Twelve

J orax

My heart pounds as Syrryn turns to face me after dismissing Icaron’s invitation.

Part of me thrills at her refusal to attend the ball with him, especially after he canceled on her last night with barely a moment’s notice.

Yet my brief elation evaporates like mist in sunlight when she says there’s someone else she hopes will invite her instead.

Of course. Why would she want a monster’s company when she’s so beautiful she could have anyone?

I drop my gaze, unable to meet the sympathy I know must fill her lovely green eyes.

She deserves to go with someone as vibrant and beautiful as she is, to be admired and whirled around the dance floor with a male she belongs with.

Not stuck in a shadowy corner making stilted conversation with a wretched beast like myself.

“Jorax.” Syrryn’s voice is soft, compelling as she steps closer.

I catch traces of her cinnamon shampoo and the underlying scent that is uniquely her—intoxicating as rare wine. My pulse kicks faster, remembering the heated press of her lithe body against mine last night.

Before I can retreat, her small hand covers mine where it clutches the lab counter. Delicate fingers interlaced with my thick ones. I shudder out a breath, afraid to move or speak so I don’t shatter this spell.

“About last night,” she begins gently.

My gut twists, bracing to hear her delicate rejection. Of course she would be kind about putting last night’s mistake to rest. That’s who she is, a good-hearted female. Her tone holds no regret—only earnest warmth.

“Your note said last night was a mistake. Perhaps it feels that way to you, Jorax, but on my end kissing you was no mistake. I want you to know how much I care for you.” She gives my hand a little shake when I remain frozen. “Jorax? Did you hear me?”

I force myself to meet her luminous gaze. The emotion shining there kicks the air from my lungs—affection. Can she read the longing in my wide eyes?

Her smile beams brighter than the glittering meteor shower as she lifts onto her toes to brush the lightest kiss to my slack lips.

“So, invite me to that ball, won’t you?” she whispers, snuggling close so I’m enveloped in her sweet-spicy scent.

Joy and gratitude swell inside me, almost too powerful to bear.

Since my injury years ago, I never imagined someone could look past my repulsive exterior and see the longing soul inside, so eager to give love to anyone willing to receive it.

Yet somehow this lovely, compassionate woman is expressing her interest.

I nuzzle into her silken hair, breathing her in like oxygen before I can form a reply.

“Syrryn, it would be my honor to take you to the charity ball. Will you accompany me?” I rasp with sincerity. Even though she all but ordered me to invite her, my heart is pounding like an automatic weapon, fearing she’ll refuse me.

My wide palm spans her delicate back, holding this miracle gently against my thunderous heart. “Although you should know, I don’t have much experience with dancing.”

Syrryn’s tinkling laugh vibrates into my chest. She tips her head back, eyes alight with mirth. “I’m not the world’s best, but I can teach you what I know. We’ll figure it out together. ”

The sweet promise in her words leaves me lightheaded. As I gaze down at her lovely upturned face, the future shimmers with dazzling possibility for the first time since that terrible laboratory accident. With Syrryn by my side, perhaps I can become the man she deserves.