Page 97 of Toxic Kiss

“Haven…”

“I’m fine.”

He nudges my shoulder like we’re best buds.

“You don’t have to lie to me,” he says, voice soft and soothing.

But I’ve been tricked by him one too many times.

“Cy, I mean it.”

A stupid tear makes a liar out of me as it falls on my lap.

Without a word, he reaches out and brushes the moisture left by my traitorous tear away. His touch lingers, trying to reel me in.

“I’ve said a lot of stupid things. Done worse. But I promise that whatever is going on, you can trust me with it.”

Daring to look at him, my stomach tightens into a tidy knot, and I regret the decision immediately. His eyes search my face, and I hate that look. It’s almost like he gives a shit. The hospital was one thing. He almost died. Near-death stuff can make you vulnerable, but that word is not part of Cy’s normal personality. I’m not a fool. Letting Cyrus Vale in…is dangerous.

I open my mouth to say as much, then close it again.

My breath catches when his fingers brush my jaw, and his thumb runs over my bottom lip. I want to lean into his touch, but instead move my head back, and his hand drops away.

“I love what you did with your hair. Red suits you.”

His compliments are like drinking lemon and honey. Sweet with a bite of sour as it goes down.

“I didn’t do it for you.”

He shrugs.

“Doesn’t matter, it still looks great.”

He is so frustrating.

Cy glances around.

“You always find water when you’re overwhelmed.”

I shake my head and cross my arms.

“You always show up when I want to be alone,” I say, but there is no bite behind the comment. “Why did you do that? Why did you always follow me and ruin the few places I found comfort? I loved going to the beach and watching the waves until you made it the most humiliating place for me. I can’t even look at a beach without memories taunting me.”

“Because I was an immature asshole in pain and you were an easy target.”

It’s the most honest thing I’ve ever heard him say.

He looks away from me and stares at the tranquil water. Silence stretches between us, but for once it’s not all tension, and my shoulders finally relax.

“I’ve been thinking...”

“That’s dangerous,” I mumble.

He smirks.

“If you’re so in love with your fiancé, then why don’t you wear an engagement ring? I haven’t seen it on you once.”

Of course, he asks that.