Page 99 of Forsaken Secrets

38

Kaiya

"Eh — am I interrupting something?" Eli's honeyed voice sounded far away as I stared at Lynk's mouth. If I leaned a bit closer …

No! I jumped to my feet, brushing my skirt off quickly and forcing my heart to calm.

Gods. What had I been thinking? Had I actually been about to kiss Lynk? And after the moment with Eli the night before?

What was wrong with me?

Lynk looked away, then took another swig from that canteen, seemingly unaffected as he stood to his feet. Perhaps I'd just been imagining that look in his eyes …

Eli just stared between the two of us with a considering look.

I forced a cheery smile and tried to make my body go back to normal. "Not at all. I just tripped on the step. Now, what are we here for?"

I turned towards the clearing and gasped. I'd been so focused on the guys that I'd missed what was in front of my face.

A beautiful red and black checkered blanket sat at the center, ruins to the left and wildflowers scattered around. The blanket was covered with fruits, meats, and breads … a veritable feast.

"Eli … did you set this up?"

He shifted uncomfortably on his feet and rubbed the back of his neck. "It was really all Aunt Harlsted. She put the whole thing together."

"Oh, come on, kid. Just admit that you did it all. You're trying to impress her, right? Might as well admit to it, so you get the credit." Lynk's gruff words made me smile.

"Fine. Yes. I set it up." Eli said, glaring at Lynk, then turned back to me. "I did not plan on having him join us, though. Not that I mind having him here …"

I shook my head and walked over to the picnic. "At least there looks to be plenty for three of us."

"And I brought whiskey!" Lynk said, lips quirking. "Whiskey makes everything better."

Eli smiled at him, that dimple peeking out. "Well then, I suppose you can join us, too. You do seem in a rather jovial mood today — or is that just the drink talking?"

Lynk took another swig and shrugged. "Perhaps a bit of both. I had a bit of good news earlier and thought I'd celebrate."

Eli reached out for the flask and Lynk pulled it away. "I didn't say you could have any! It's for adults only." He twisted the lid back on and sat it beside him.

I laughed as Eli spluttered and glared at him. "Old man. You cannot be more than a few years older than us, and we're both adults. Now share that whiskey … or else you won't get any of these pies …" He opened a small basket slightly, letting the sweet scent of fruit and buttery crust waft out.

Lynk growled, but grabbed two glasses from the blanket and poured a couple fingers worth of whiskey in each. "Don't blame me if it's too strong, though."

I took a long sip and immediately coughed. It was so terrible! Nothing like the wine the vicar brought over.

"I warned you!" Lynk said, chuckling softly to himself as he took another sip straight from the canteen.

"Well, should we sit?" Eli asked, gesturing towards the blanket.

I nodded and plopped down on the far corner, as far away from the two men as I could, the soft fabric a nice buffer between me and the cold ground.

Lynk looked unsure, but carefully sat across from me, back stiff and legs out straight in front of him.

I smiled and leaned back onto my elbows. "Like this, old man."

He quirked a brow and looked between the two of us. "Like what? How is that any different from what I'm doing?"

I shook my head, trying not to laugh. "It's not. Sorry."

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