Page 98 of The Freedom You Seek

“It’s complicated. We’re friends. Or have been, what do I know? Dion is extremely complex, honestly. But heisn’t jealous. He just has been overbearingly protective ever since he cut me off that rope.”

“If not in men, do you know what I’m an expert on? You! And I can tell that there’s something when you’re blushing like that. You like him.” Rewi wore her no-nonsense face, and I cursed how well she knew me.

Glancing at the washroom door, I hoped Dion couldn’t hear us. I lowered my voice to a whisper.

“He’s moody, brooding, and either hot or cold. It’s like he knows no moderation. One moment, we’d become good friends, then suddenly, he acted as if I was a major inconvenience, not worthy of a friendly word. Then he changed direction completely from one second to the other and cranked up his territorial streak to the maximum. Seriously, for the last few days, he barely cared if I was alive, and just when my favorite person in the entire world comes along—together with another friend—he’s losing his shit again.”

“That’s not what I’ve asked, Naya. Do you like him?”

“Ugh, Rewi. I don’t know. Admittedly, I’ve never seen a more attractive man in my life, but he’s also a controlling bastard with a god complex who knows everything better and thinks he’s the pinnacle of all creation.” I faced Rewi’s scrutinizing look and sighed. “I like him, yes. But not like that.”

“So, can I try my luck then? Because yes, he looks positively edible. Sharing a room sounds like an opportunity. I’m sure you can bunk in one of the other chambers.”

“No!” Louder than intended, I exclaimed my protest. So much for playing it cool. Rewi grinned at me, and I grumbled. “You set me up.”

Rewi’s melodic laughter rang through the room before she went quiet again. “You better sort out your feelings, Naya.”

“No, thank you. I’m more than fine ignoring complicated things for an indefinite amount of time.”

“I’m aware of that. Until everything catches up and collapses around you.”

I winced. Sadly, Rewani was correct in her assessment. Not only that, but Dion had often enough tried to tell me the same. Time and time again, I was pushing problems aside, thinking they’d go away on their own if I just ignored them long enough. It rarely worked out, which scared me because of the sheer amount of crap I’d pushed away lately, but then again, I just stored that thought with all the others deep in the dark and dusty places of my mind.

“Honestly, Dion and I aren’t like that.”

“All right, all right, then you’ll surely be able to keep an open mind when Bryon wants to talk to you.”

“What?” I stared at her, and she chuckled.

“I’ve already said too much.”

I scowled at Rewi, but she ignored it with a fake, innocent smile.

“By the way, Rewi. You don’t wear a choker. How did that work out for you on the road?” Changing topics was always something I was good at.

“I have an official permit, seal and all from the mayor of Credenta, allowing me and my guard a pilgrimage to Ivreiana.”

“Your father granted you a permit?”

“No. But I know where his seals and papers are. Come on, it can’t come as a surprise that I can easily fake his script and signature.”

As I nodded, a grin appeared on my face. “Sounds like you.”

“Enough about me. I want to hear more about your travels. And about magic!”

“I don’t think so.” Flinching, my gaze shot to the washroom door where Dion had appeared, wearing nothing but a tiny towel wrapped dangerously low around his hips, showcasing his more than just toned chest muscles, abdomen, and the beginning of a well-defined V. His long onyx hair was unbound, tousled, and still damp from water. I’d never seen him in such a state of undress prior to this and couldn’t help but notice a burning heat pooling in my lower belly—and worse, in my cheeks.

“You’re staring, Jama.” Dion sounded far too smug for his own good while Rewi laughed.

“And you’re preening like a peacock.”

“Silence, stranger.”

I’d have backed Rewi up, but I didn’t trust my voice right now. Instead, I reached for Dion’s bag and tossed him one of his tunics.

“I’m your new roommate. Your superior said so.” Rewi sounded smug, and Dion growled. He’d caught the garment without looking and was holding it in his hands.

“Gods, Dion. That’s a tunic. You wear it over your body to be decent.” The husky undertone in my voice betrayed that decency was not the predominant thought in my mind. “And take your shadows away so I can wash up as well. It’s been a few days.”