Page 133 of Axis of Fire

After our conversation outside my parents’ house, I could honestly admit I wasn’t ready to continue whatever had started between us.

There was definitely something there.

Something strange.

But that didn’t mean I should follow those feelings.

Especially when none of it made logical sense.

I’d always thought attraction started in the mind first—not the body.

“Even if someone distracted me,” Airis’s voice suddenly sounded beside me, “I’d still catch up to you pretty quickly.”

I startled for half a second.

Then I nearly startled again when he casually took the basket from my hands.

And once he noticed what was inside, one brow lifted slightly as he looked at me.

“What century do you think people in Istarus live in?”

“You use weird magical ointments instead of proper face cream.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “If feminine products are handled the same way, then I need to buy out this entire store while I still can.”

“I come to Vuduarus once a month,” he replied calmly. “I could bring you whatever you need.”

Silence shamelessly wedged itself between us again.

And somehow, my surprise felt sharper than usual.

Had he really just offered that?

Why would I even be thinking about something so oddly domestic?

“What are you thinking about, Fireling?” That infuriating smirk appeared on Airis’s face again as he tilted his head slightly. “Don’t tell me you’re embarrassed.”

I was.

Very much so.

But he absolutely did not need to know that.

“I was just thinking about making you a detailed schedule of my cycle,” I said, straightening up and pretending to feel far more confident than I actually was.

“You know. So you can deliver everything on time.”

“My protégé should have more faith in me,” Airis replied.

Though his eyes were clearly saying something entirely different.

And suddenly, my lips felt unbearably dry.

Damn it.

Why the hell was I so drawn to him?

“Okay, I understand everything,” Gwen interrupted dramatically, “but could you two continue flirting literally anywhere else? Another minute and those teenagers over there are going to film you for TikTok with some ridiculously suggestive background music.”

I immediately looked away from Airis.