Page 110 of Dance of Stars and Ashes

Finally, she pried herself away and scooted off the bed, but not before barely evading another snatch of Rabin’s hand.

“Come back here,” he demanded, using that same voice that had wilted her resolve more than once, but she stood firm against it.

“Fine,” he grumbled as he stood to retrieve his clothing. She watched him, entirely distracted by the works of art that were his rounded butt and strong thighs.

“Keep looking at me like that, and you’re the one who’s going to make us late,” he growled as he pulled up his pants.

She blinked and gave him an innocent smile. “Perhaps I was too hasty.”

“You’re the responsible one,” he said, coming over and grabbing her chin before he kissed her deeply. “Don’t tempt me to blow this whole operation off.”

She didn’t answer as he tugged on his kurta and shook out the length of his damp hair before he pulled her up to stand and kissed her again, his hand squeezing her ass.

“Thank you for an incredible night,” he said, touching his forehead to hers before he turned towards the door.

“Rabin,” she said. He stopped and turned. “Just… don’t break my heart, okay?”

He lifted the corner of his mouth into a smile before towing her in with an arm around her waist.

“Never,” he growled. “You have mine in the palm of your hand now. Just try to take it back.”

She followed him to the door, and he swung it open. Zarya let out a yelp when she saw Row on the other side, his fist poised to knock.

“Row,” she said, suddenly conscious of the fact she was wearing only a towel and both hers and Rabin’s hair was wet from the shower. They couldn’t be more obvious if they’d painted a sign in bold, glittering letters and marched it through the streets. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see if you were okay,” Row said, eyeing Rabin with deep mistrust. “You disappeared from the festival last night.”

Zarya smoothed back her hair, trying to come up with some reason for her absence that didn’t include telling him the truth.

“I… We…” She blushed to the roots of her scalp as he stared at her and then at Rabin.

“I’ll see you soon,” Rabin said to her, and then he pushed past Row into the hallway and clapped Row on the shoulder. “I owe you a thank you.”

“For what?” Row asked, a deep groove creasing between his brows.

Rabin just smiled, winked at Zarya, and then walked away like he didn’t have a care in the world.

When he was gone, Row turned his dark glare on Zarya, who was now gripping the door handle so hard her fingers ached.

“I’m just going to get dressed,” she said. “I’ll see you downstairs.”

She flipped him a half-hearted wave and then closed the door on his thunderous expression.

THIRTY-ONE

After Zarya was dressed, she prepared to leave, half expecting to find Row standing on the other side of the door with his arms folded and a disapproving scowl on his face. When she entered the empty hall, she breathed a sigh of relief.

In the lobby, the others were already gathered, and Rabin’s gaze found her immediately, his dark eyes burning with what felt like a secret fire just for her.

“Okay, let’s go,” Suvanna said, tucking some coins into the belt around her waist. “The boat should be ready for us.”

“Great, another boat,” Rabin said with a grumble as they exited the building and made their way through the streets. “And why are you wearing that again?” he demanded, scanning Zarya up and down.

“Because it’s the only thing I brought for travel,” she snapped.

He murmured something under his breath she didn’t catch. She offered him an arch look that made the dimple pop in his cheek. Gods, she’d never be able to stay mad at him when he flashed that thing at her. When had she become so… malleable?

When they arrived at the docks, Suvanna traded a few more coins with a man before she leaped aboard the deck of a small sailboat. As Zarya passed her, Suvanna smirked before her gaze flicked to Rabin.