Page 48 of Nova Academy

‘Nope.’

‘He really means something to you, doesn’t he?’ he asked, and Icould hear the trepidation shaking his voice.

I turned to face him, so he could look me in the eye and see my truth. ‘I’m not leaving you for him, Xan. He’s my friend and I care about him, but that doesn’t mean I’m ditching one friend for another.’

He searched my expression for something, but I didn’t know what. ‘Is that what we are, Addy? Just friends?’

I rested my hands on his chest, wanting to feel the connection with him from his heart pumping away under my palms. ‘We’ve been more than friends for a long time now. I thought that was a given.’

‘But what?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘What are we?’

I frowned and pulled back to get a better view of him. ‘You want to label our relationship?’

His answer was a nod, his face pinched with determination. ‘Yes.’

A grin slowly spread across my face. ‘Are you asking me to be your girlfriend, captain?’

He huffed out a laugh. ‘Yeah, I guess I am.’

I hesitated, afraid to proceed but knowing I no longer had a choice. He had to know if he didn’t already. ‘I’m not into sex.’

Every part of him softened as he gazed at me in a way I could only describe as tender and patient. ‘Yes, I know.’

‘And you’re okay with that?’

‘I haven’t had sex with anyone since I met you, Addy,’ he admitted, dropping that bombshell like a shot fired.

‘You don’t have to be celibate for me, Xander. I know you’re not asexual, but I can’t give you that. I won’t begrudge you if you look for it elsewhere.’

He chuckled. ‘Good to know. But for right now, I’m good. You’re all I need.’

‘Even though I’m…broken?’ I asked, my voice small and ashamed. I couldn’t look him in the eye.

He pulled me against him, tucking my head into the crook under his chin. ‘You’re notbroken, Adara. Different, sure, but not broken. You’re perfect just as you are.’

I snorted at that. I was definitely broken. So broken, in fact, that my entire family had excommunicated me while my people shunned me. I was the farthest thing from ‘perfect’, but I let him believe it. It felt nice.

‘Okay. I’ll be your girlfriend.’

‘Good. And I’ll help you with your friend,’ he offered, and I teared up at the pure acceptance this man was willing to give me.

‘Xan?’ I asked blearily, sleep starting to claim me.

‘Yes?’

‘Love you,’ I told him.

I felt him grin against my hair. ‘Love you, too.’

CHAPTER 22

Artemis

Strap her down.Keep her still.Run.

---