Page 80 of The Incendiary

“This isn’t like you,” Hayes said with a chuckle. “You’re insane.”

I grinned back—eyes wild, teeth bared. “Insane,” I agreed. “That’s right. Look at her again, I fucking dare you.”

Hayes shook his head and walked away. My smile grew as I watched him go, because having purpose fueled by her light and beautiful life felt incredible. Whoever I’d been before didn’t matter anymore. Being needed by Ella was the only thing I wanted for the rest of my life.

“Hey.” She rubbed my chest again. “Are you okay?”

“I’m great, actually.” Because the whole tavern heard my outburst, and the number of people staring was now nearly zero. “Are you okay?”

She nodded, rolling her lips together.

“Good,” I said just as the music picked up. “Dance with me.”

She laughed nervously and whispered. “I know I’m royalty and all, but I haven’t danced with anyone before. Only alone in my room. I’ll probably step on some feet.”

I grinned. That was a sight I wanted to behold. Her, consumed by pure joy with no one watching. I drew her toward the middle of the room where others gathered. “Perfect. Step on mine.”

She squealed when I secured my arm around her waist, spun her, and led her to the upbeat melody. Her pale skin flushed rosy pink, an intoxicating hue that made me ache to taste her. To claim more of her in every way I could. Her laughter was contagious. Everything about her made my heart and mind soar. She was an angel, and her happiness had the power to give us both wings.

We danced to three songs in total. Three more than I’d planned on dancing to this evening.

“Are you hungry?” I asked. “Thirsty?”

Her eyes lingered on a woman holding a cup of wine. “I could use a drink.”

“Are you sure about that?” I had been thinking about water. Having lived with her controlling uncle all her life, I doubted she’d ever had more than a sip of wine before.

The smile she gave me was bright, trusting, and sure. “I’m safe with you.”

“Fuck. All right.” I surrendered, trying not to get too lost in the shimmering golden specks within the green ocean of her eyes. She had me in a chokehold I never really wanted to break free from.

“Is ‘fuck’ your favorite word?” She smirked up at me after I led her over to the counter.

I barked out a surprised laugh and whistled for the tavernkeeper to get her whatever she wanted, then shamelessly boxed her with my arms between me and the counter. It would remain clear to everyone in this tavern who she belonged to. “No. My favorite word is⁠—”

“Smyth!”

I smiled at the familiar voice. Despite his ill-timed humor, my friend Victor was just about the only living person in this town who didn’t disgust me. As he approached us with a shit-eating grin, I wondered how long that would remain true.

“Well, hello there,” Victor crooned. “Name’s Vic.” He offered her his hand. I glared at it like I was ready to chop it off. My grip on the counter grew increasingly strained the closer he got to her.

She shook his hand, answering sweetly, “I’m Ella.”

Vic, the fucker, winked at me. I’d told him weeks ago I had found someone, that she was perfect. That was all he knew.

“Ella,” Victor repeated. I smiled at my name for her. My favorite word. I followed the delicate curve of her neck and landed on the spot where a pink flush gathered around her collarbone. I focused my attention on her, and the raucous shouting and clinking glasses faded away into a dull, calming buzz.

Until Vic spoke again.

“So, you’re the girl who’s tied Smyth down.”

Tied me down? It took a moment for my brain to catch up to my ears.

No, no, no, no.

“Tied him down?” Ella asked innocently, completely oblivious.

“Victor,” I warned darkly, but he ignored me.