This wasn’t fifty-fifty. The fates were just an excuse, and they had no power over a trick coin.
But I couldn’t keep ignoring that kiss, not while I was sheltered in Gavin’s arms, his teasing tone helping me forget the mines, helping me plan the rest of this reckless hunt. Not when the slow skim of his thumb was making me unravel, and the low rumble in his voice was threaded with an ache I pretended not to hear.
Because I needed to know if a kiss between us could be more than an angry outburst, steeped in his guilt and my doubt. And I wasn't waiting any longer to find out.
“Are you sure?”
“Heads or tails,” I whispered.
With an unreadable nod, Gavin pushed himself to his feet and reached for his pack. I followed, nerves fluttering inside me. Anticipation, too, more than I cared to admit. He removed a coin and held it between his thumb and forefinger, rotating itonce so I could inspect it.
It wasn’t the same coin he used to carry. The one with heads marking both sides. This one had two distinct faces.
A rush of doubt flooded my veins.
“Wait.” I held up my hand, my voice faltering.
“What’s wrong? Did you want to use a different one?”
“No. I thought…”
Ugh! What was I supposed to say? I wanted you to kiss me, so I tried to play a rigged game.
How mortifying. And what if I lose?
It really was up to fate. Curling my fingers, I let my hand drop to my side.
“Go ahead. Flip it.”
Something mysterious flashed in Gavin’s eyes. Something dark and knowing. But before I could decipher it, the coin flipped, turning in the air. My breath stopped, my heartbeat rattling in my ears. The coin seemed to slow, time stalling as it tipped end over end, catching the candlelight as it fell.
Then—thunk.
The sound hit me before I was ready.
What if I lost? What if—?
I couldn’t look.
Wouldn’t.
This was such a stupid game!
“It’s heads,” Gavin murmured.
I let out a breath, my heart skidding as I forced myself to meet his gaze. His eyes had changed. The mystery had vanished, replaced by searing heat.
“It wasn’t a mistake, Mare.”
“So says the coin.”
And every single instinct urging me closer.
Gavin stepped over the coin, closing the space between uswith slow, deliberate purpose.
One step. Two.
His fingers found my chin, callouses rough as he tilted my head back. My lips parted a fraction before his mouth captured mine.
