But he ignored it and pointed at the door. “Please leave.”
The rays of guilt and regret radiated from Elenya in cold waves. David closed himself behind ice the way he always did, the way he’d learned from a lifetime spent alone, endangered, and used. Crystallized in a cage of control.
Couldn’t they see how much they needed each other?
“I don’t want you as my mother,” David said, blank-faced. “Yougave me up. You don’t get to change your mind about wanting me just because it’s easier now.”
A handful of seconds passed before the older woman slipped from the room, utterly silent. Afterward, David did nothing but stare at the wall in front of him, eyes distant.
Anna stood. Why had he returned? Why had he wanted her to stay?
She took hesitant steps toward him, waiting for him to yell at her, to ice her out. She’d taken something he clearly hadn’t wanted her to have, and she was desperate to apologize. Whatever punishment he chose, she’d take it without complaint.
“I shouldn’t have done that,” she said into the quiet.
He didn’t move. Didn’t blink. “It’s my fault for making this a lawless venture. I underestimated you. Won’t happen again.”
I underestimated you.Her hard work had paid off, and she glowed beneath that veiled insult. She still had a long way to go, of course, but she’d broken through his defenses faster than she imagined.
“I’m sorry I did it,” she said, “but I’m not sorry I know this about you.”
He gave her the mask-like smirk. “Excited to tell everyone how I’m exactly who they think I am?”
Was that really what he thought?
“I wouldn’t do that, David. I hope you believe that, even if you’re still mad at me. That story made me want to break your father’s face.”
The near imperceptible twitch of his jaw spoke of displeasure. “I see no reason why you should ever be that close to my father.”
“I’d kill him.”
David lifted a brow, saying, “That…actually might be kind of fun to watch.”
She ventured closer. “I’m going to do something right now, and it’s probably stupid, but I feel like you might need it.”
His brows narrowed.
With a bracing breath, Anna erased the distance and threw herarms around his middle, squeezing tight. The side of her face pressed to his chest so that his heartbeat thudded against her cheek. His clothes were thin, and heat bled through, but his body froze.
“What are you doing?” A panicked sort of amusement tinged his words.
“I’m hugging you. Surely you know what a hug is?”
“I’m familiar with the concept. I’m just not sure why you’re doing it.”
“Yes, you are.” She squeezed tighter and took a lungful of air scented of mint and something totally indefinable but definitely David. “Bad things have happened to you, and I’m giving you my support.”
His voice grew strained. “Are you sure you’re not secretly trying to suffocate me?”
With a laugh, she loosened her arms but didn’t let go.
“How has it been?” he asked after a moment, voice soft. “With my mother, I mean.”
“I’ve learned a lot. Plus, she sent letters to some of her contacts. Some discreet questions that might help me find family. We’re waiting on replies.”
“Good. That’s good.”
Anna lifted her head to look him in the eye. A flash ofsomethingflittered through the green.
