He folded his arms on the tub's edge, one finger dangling into the water to stir the soap around. "What else?"
"What else . . . " I skimmed a hand through the water. "Father brought me to parties, ensured I had the finest tutors, and kept our jars stocked with honey. I lived a charmed life. I never thought so, while I had it." Twisting my neck, I looked up at him. "You said you're an orphan?"
He shook his head. "My mother is still alive. We had a . . . kind of family. Quinn and his mother lived with us. Between the two of them, they made ends meet." A nostalgic light passedacross his eyes. "Quinn and I started helping as soon as we were old enough to pick pockets."
"Well, no wonder you encouraged Liam." I frowned. "What drove you two apart?"
"Me," he said frankly. "I was a bit like Ferris—never where I was supposed to be. The older I got, the more danger I found, and trouble I caused."
"I cannot imagine that."
"I also brought home every stray cat I found."
I laughed, wincing as my wound throbbed. "Okay,thatI can imagine."
He stood. "I want to show you something. Hurry up and get out."
"Oh, that frightens me," I murmured, waiting for him to turn his back before stepping out of the tub.
I briefly considered using a bit of wind magic to dry my hair. The risk shadows would entwine with the strands instead was too great.
Saints. Our partnership was a disaster waiting to happen.
Grabbing a towel, I dried off and pulled my clothes back on. Once I was decent, I walked to his side.
"Alright. What is it?"
Flicking a hand, Reese swept it through the air. Sparking light danced on his fingertips and left a trail of motes that tumbled through the air.
His fingers ran across my face and trailed behind my ear. Flowers bloomed where he touched, radiant and gold.
Reese pulled his hand back, leaving a magicked flower tucked in my hair.
Flustered, I reached to touch it. It burned, ever so slightly.
"We didn't have much, growing up," he said. "I used to make my mother flowers, like that."
Swallowing, I lowered my hand. "I still find it hard to believe you were just some peasant boy."
"I've lived a storied life. That was just how it began."
"I suppose my storied life just began. Assuming I live to see the year's end."
His smile died. "No one will touch you. Not while I'm around. I promise."
The irony of his words made me flinch.
I was lying to him. How furious would he be when he learned the truth?
"You can't promise that," I whispered.
"I can," Reese said with confidence. "I've never lost a fight. If they send assassins, I'll tear them in half. If they send soldiers, well . . . " He smirked. "They don't stand a chance."
"I didn't realize you had such an ego."
"It's earned."
He'd spat my own words back at me. My brow furrowed, and I looked up in indignation.
