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“They all are.”
Her head whipped toward him in shock. This was an invaluable collection. “You’re not playing fair.”
He chuckled. “I never do. I thought that was evident by now.”
She plucked a book about the effects of Dark Magic on potions from the shelf. “This is—” She didn’t even know how to finish her sentence.
It was one of the most important books on the subject, and he had the first edition in perfect condition sitting on his shelf. In fact, he had hundreds and hundreds of important books, organized by subject. White marble floors stretched before her in an endless sea of shelves. A reading nook was nestled by the large window, overlooking the garden.
“So?” Dawson asked next to her as she gingerly turned the old pages of the book, marveling at the gold foiling on top of every chapter.
“Fine, your estate is better than Harrington’s.”
“The correct choice.”
The way his eyes studied her closely almost made her blush. She focused back on the book in her hands.
“I’m sorry about last night.” Her voice seemed small. She hated the feeling of being a burden.
“What the fuck would you be sorry for?”
Her fingers traced the gold foiling on the page. “I know it was because of the relic, but I’m still shocked how bad my…episode got last night. But it won’t happen again. I know something is wrong with me, but I will fix it.” That was always the goal, but she was less and less confident it was possible.
He said nothing for a while, and when she looked up, she saw his teeth clenched, jaw tight. “Is that what your stupid Caster friends make you feel like?”
She was taken aback by the anger in his voice. “No, it’s not them. It’s me. I’m the problem.” She never should have used Dark Magic.
He thrust a hand through his silver hair with agitation. “You’re not a problem. And nothing is fucking wrong with you.” He exhaled sharply. “Something traumatic happened to you, but none of this is your doing. You know what is? Your bravery. Your courage. Your endless curiosity.”
“I don’t feel brave. Last night, the Dark Magic from the relic, it…it came to me so easily. It knew how weak I am. How susceptible to the pull from the darkness.” Her hand covered her scar, and she could feel the Dark Magic humming in her veins, calling her. She stared at the floor, trying to tune it all out.
“Mira.” Her first name on his lips sounded like a prayer. As if it was the first time anyone had ever spoken it. His soft blue-silver eyes studied her intently. “What do you need?”
It was such a startling question, she didn’t know how to respond. Nobody had ever asked her that before.
“I know you deserve more than what I can give you,” he continued. “But take from me what you need.”
Only now did she realize, she hadn’t thought about what she needed or wanted in a long time. Her life revolved around the scar.
The question was so surprising, it almost seemed like a trick.
“Why are you asking?”
He took a ragged breath. “Because watching you in agony might have been the worst form of torture I’ve ever had to endure.”
For a moment the world seemed to stop. He couldn’t possibly have said it. Or meant it. But there he stood, staring at her like he meant every word, waiting for an answer.
What did she need? She knew the answer but was afraid of saying it out loud. It wasn’t like this between them—whatever this was—could ever be anything meaningful. Anything more than taking the edge off and seeking comfort. It wasn’t smart. Or logical.
“Aidric,” she said softly, and by the look on his face and the big swallow he took, it appeared hearing his name from her had a similar effect on him. “Kiss me.”
He looked so surprised she was worried he might burst out laughing at any moment. It was a silly request. She was about to say as much when he stepped closer and lifted her chin with his thumb. Slowly, his hand slid to the side of her neck, and her pulse raced beneath his fingertips. Her entire world narrowed to his eyes. He leaned in closer until she could feel his breath on her skin.
They had done so much more than kiss before, but for some reason, when his lips met hers, it felt like the most intimate moment they had ever shared. Gently, he kissed her bottom lip as his other hand went to her lower back, pulling her flush against him. When he deepened the kiss, the book in her hand fell to the ground. It was as if she had never been kissed before. Her hands went to the lapels of his jacket for support.
Aidric’s kisses seared through her body like wildfire. A branding of sorts. A pact for eternity that neither of them could keep.
When he broke the kiss, they stared at each other breathlessly, both realizing that something between them had changed that could not be undone. Perhaps she should be terrified about giving one of the most dangerous Wielders on the planet power over her heart, but in that moment, staring into his eyes, her lips still swollen from their kiss, she just wanted to never leave his arms.
