Page 46 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

“Not really; they were a species that was said to have been annihilated, so I didn’t pay much attention to them. I admit that was carelessness on my part. I didn’t think it was a priority, shows how wrong I was,” I mutter quietly, frowning. She hugs herself, emphasising the curve of her breasts. This is a fucking serious problem, and instead I’m focusing on things I shouldn’t.

“Then can you tell someone in England to read up on it? Your grandfather, maybe?” she asks softly.

“I could…” I trail off and observe her. “Of all people, why did you say my grandfather?”

Did Theo tell her something about his assumptions of the traitor, via Heaven maybe?

“He’s wise,” she answers smoothly. Not a lie… but not the only reason. I know her better than that. But I don’t push it.

“I could, but clearly this thing was inviting you in, which means it’s dangerous for you to be here.”

“No, I’m not the only one it’s called to; it can’t be that dangerous,” she says quietly, but she doesn’t believe that either. “Ahren felt something, too.”

“What is with you guys and your fucking secrets?” I say icily, irritated.

“I didn’t keep a secret this time. I came, and I told you,” she points out, her voice soft yet firm. “I’m trying, Jayce, I’m trying to be better.”

I still, feeling something clamping around my heart. Don’t fucking try then… I don’t need this.

I turn my head sharply towards her. “And what do you think that’s going to get you?” I ask harshly.

She shakes her head. “Nothing. I just want to do better.”

Our eyes meet, a thousand fucking things left unspoken.

Give me a reason to hate you, not fucking love you.

The tension pulls taut between us, and she takes a shuddering breath before tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll let you get some sleep. Good night…” She moves past me, sparks jolting through my skin as we make contact.

My nostrils flare, and it takes all my strength to keep myself calm.

“Stay.”

She freezes, her hand inches from the handle. “What?” she asks, spinning towards me.

I narrow my eyes, plastering on the coldest, most unbothered expression I can manage. “Your vision – dream – whatever you want to call it, it might return, and I’m clearly still the one who grounds you. So, it might be wise to stay until morning, when we can discuss what steps to take next.”

Her heart races as she looks at the bed, and then those lashes flutter up. She’s still shaken over the dream, even if she does her best to hide it, and if those dreams have any control over her, then we don’t need a fucking repeat of what happened with Helios.

“Get some sleep,” I say curtly as I jerk my head towards the bed.

“What about you?” she asks as she walks over to it slowly.

“I’ll be near.” I don’t bother breaking it down for her. She still hesitates before glancing at me.

“I can go get my blanket and pillow-”

“Get on the fucking bed,” I command, cutting her off. Her eyes widen, her cheeks burning before she pouts, frowning slightly. For a moment, I think she’s about to argue before she slips under the blanket with a bit more flair than necessary; still, she says nothing to me, but that small frown remains in place.

If you’re pissed at me, show me.

I drop to the ground beside the bed, my back resting against it. I can feel her eyes on the back of my skull, but I refuse to look at her. I close my eyes for a second, trying to ignore the cold that will just get worse as the night passes. I cross my ankles and take out a cigarette, lighting it and then resting my arm on the edge of the bed.

She sighs heavily behind me, but I ignore her, waiting for her to fall asleep. I feel her stare prickle the back of my neck, hear her heart pounding. And then she’s touching me; it’s light, her fingers simply ghosting the back of my neck, but her hand stays there, creating a connection.

She was scared, the way her face was pale, her heart racing; she was trying to keep it together, and I hated how I wanted to pull her into my arms and comfort her when she showed me that dream of hers. Stupid fucking bond.

I take a few drags on my cigarette before putting it out. I won’t be able to sleep with her right behind me.