Page 293 of Axis of Fire

Of course.”

My voice dripped with sarcasm.

My heart, however, seemed to forget how to beat.

“I should probably warn you,” I admitted, desperately trying to keep both my thoughts and my body under control.

“I can't dance.”

“I already told you I pity your future dance partner.”

“How sweet.”

I forced a smile.

“Sweet to know you're actually capable of pity.”

“I'm capable of far more than that.”

His voice dropped lower than usual.

My traitorous body reacted instantly.

As though it had been waiting for exactly that.

Then came the pause I'd been trying to avoid this whole time.

As if sensing the tension between us, the melody softened.

It filled with whispers.

With gentle harmony.

“Your body's too tense,” Airis said softly.

“Should I remind you again that you don't need to be afraid when you're with me?”

“No need.”

I stared anywhere but at him.

“My mind already knows that.

My body just hasn't caught up yet.”

Airis moved with effortless grace.

Mine seemed to grow stiffer on purpose.

Maybe I was embarrassed by the closeness.

Or maybe I was simply afraid.

After Kai...

Trusting someone romantically terrified me.

And whatever this was between me and Airis—