His frown grew. “Engagement—?” He realized then. “You mean to Calyn?”
“She told me you are courting,” she explained. “I’m proud of you. She’s a very sweet girl, and I think you will be happy together.”
Caught between amusement and annoyance, Thom shook his head. “I know I’m prone to making mistakes, Brea, but that’s not one of them.”
She stared at him in confusion, so he clarified. “I’m not courting Calyn. There was a misunderstanding, but she and I are not together. In fact, I think your nephew is winning her heart right now.” He frowned then, looking out across the ballroom. “I hope he’s not taking too much advantage of my absence.”
Brea sat forward, giving him a dangerous view of her cleavage. Instantly, he averted his gaze as she asked, “You aren’t pursuing her hand?”
“Allore’s might, no!”
“Why not?” Brea asked, sounding truly disappointed. “She’s young, beautiful, open, and caring. What’s more, I think she’d do well for you.”
Thom gaped at her, baffled. Why was Brea supportive of him marrying another woman? Did she not feel the same ache of indignation at the thought of him with anyone but her?
“I could never be with Calyn,” he said.
Brea’s brows drew together. “Oh, Thom.” She sounded almost pitying. “You could if you tried. Her heart is open to you, and she would love you as you’ve always deserved. You don’t have to be alone.”
The truth her words held meant nothing to Thom. It didn’t matter that Calyn was charming and lovable; Thom knew he could never be happy with her. He could love her as a sister but never as a wife. He could never truly bein lovewith her.
Rapping his knuckles against the table, Thom fought down his agitation. “Brea, I know I’ve made jokes in the past, but let me make this clear: I have no romantic interest in Calyn. I never have, and I never will. I think it would be a terrible thing for me to pretend I did just because I don’t want to be alone.”
Though Thom’s tone was determined, Brea scanned him doubtfully.
An incredulous laugh slipped out of him. “Why don’t you believe me?” he demanded.
“It isn’t that I don’t believe you,mi’caro. It’s that I don’t understand why you wouldn’t pursue a relationship with her. You find her attractive, don’t you?”
“Yes, but—”
“And you think she’s a charming girl, yes?”
“Yes, but Brea—”
“Youcouldlove her,” she insisted. “If you tried, you could let go of your self-doubt and find that you’re worth being loved too.”
The words sprang to Thom’s lips in that instant. As he maintained her gaze—so gentle and full of warmth—he felt suspended in time and place, every emotion he had ever felt for her rising to the forefront. From the moment he met Breata Lohen, she had only astonished him. She was remarkable. Moreover, she believed he was worthy of love.
Thom thought about letting the words slip out. He truly did. But he surrendered himself to the role she’d relegated him to long ago. “Because I’m handsome, strong, and a total shit?”
“Your finest qualities, indeed,” Brea said, raising her glass in a mock cheers.
Encouraged by her lighthearted reply, Thom advanced the joke. “Or is it because I’m not magical? And we unfortunate souls have to discoversomethingworth living for.”
“Luck of the draw,mi’caro,” she said with a sly grin. “I did not ask for my magic any more than you asked not to have it.”
“You know,” he said, setting his glass on the table, “for a time, I thought I wanted it. That it would improve my life and make me more important. But I don’t believe I’d enjoy it much.”
“Too much responsibility?”
Thom’s response lacked the same lightness. “Too much life,” he confessed. “I’ve made countless mistakes and outlived too many friends. I wouldn’t want another century or more in this world.”
Brea remained silent, opting instead to sip her wine.
At her side, Thom admired her profile. Her pert nose added a charming accent to her features. Her small silver earrings sparkled in the light of the many candles. Her chin, cheekbones, and forehead showcased striking, powerful lines. She exuded a fierce and imposing presence—stunning and awe-inspiring, standing apart from every other woman in the world, but not just for her beauty.
Breata Lohen was truly unique in every aspect. She exuded unwavering confidence. Strong and self-assured, she moved with both power and elegance. Despite her small, slender frame, she commanded respect and was never seen as delicate. It was futile to try to intimidate, deceive, or discourage her. She wielded truth and wit as potent tools. He believed nothing could deter her once she committed to a goal.
