“I’ve never felt anything like it,” he said.
Her heart stumbled over itself. “Neither have I.”
He nodded again – looking satisfied maybe, but she wasn’t sure.
Kara hesitated before she said, “I felt it. I felt your strength...in me.It was–” but she stopped short, heat prickling her cheeks.
“It was what?” he asked softly.
Don’t say it. Don’t say it.
“Honestly?” She took a breath. “It was... amazing.”
And you said it.
Surprise crossed his face. Before she could stop him, he’d reached for her hand, a crimson glow enveloping it, swirling around the rubies and emeralds of her bracelet. The effect was instantaneous – her emerald rose to meet it like it was called for this alone. His strength – now all too familiar – coursed through her muscles. It was addictive. Intoxicating.
“Amazing, was it?” He grinned, watching her closely.
She couldn’t answer. She was too fascinated by the way their magic curled together, unable to tear herself away.
What if I didn’t pull away? What if I let this happen?
The thought came unbidden. Wild. Dangerous.
“Yes,” she managed. “It was.”
His fingers tightened around hers – enough that she felt it. She squeezed back without thinking. He stepped closer. So close that Kara could feel the heat of him. Her breath came quicker, her body reacting before her mind caught up. His gaze was locked on her now, and he wasn’t grinning anymore. Their faces were inches apart. It would be so easy to close the distance.
Her lips parted.
Gods, I want to kiss him.
His gaze dropped to her mouth. Lingered there.
I really want to–
But then she thought of the engagement announcement. Of Henry. Of the crushing expectations on her.
No, we can’t do this.
Kara pulled her hand back and the dancing lights vanished, leaving the night cold and dark.
“We can’t,” she whispered, but her voice shook.
Sebastian went still.
“My father would never–”
“Right.” His voice went flat. Cold. He stepped back, away from her. But not before the hurt flashed across his face.
“It’s just Hales and Thornes.” She pushed the words out, hating them, but willing him to understand. “We don’t mix.”
He stared for a moment, his expression like frost. “Who said I wanted to?”
She flinched. The words stung.
He doesn’t mean that, does he?
