Page 49 of Pocket Full Of Posies

“No Kai, I don’t need it. Your sister gave it to you, you should keep it. Plus, look, it doesn’t fit.”

“That’s not a problem.”

Engulfing my wrist in both his hands he holds the gold bangle off my skin.

“Now don’t move.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see.”

The hands around my wrist begin to glow red like a hot poker and my arm begins to heat. Just when I think it’s going to get too hot and burn my skin, the heat instantly dissipates.

“What did you do?”

Lifting his hands he reveals the bracelet, now much smaller and cooler, around my wrist.

“Now it’s a perfect fit, and you can’t give it back without ruining it or the talents of a skilled fire nymph.”

The gold band isn’t even warm as it rests against my skin. I slide it to the base of my wrist and realize what he’s done. He’s sized it perfectly to be loose around my wrist but too small to slip off over my hand. It’s never coming off.

“Kai, you can’t. Take it off, it was a gift from your sister, you should have it, not me. This is too much.” I try to argue to no avail. He’s already shaking his head and grinning at me.

“It’s not enough. I want to give you more. Give you earrings and rings, diamonds, and sapphires, because you are the rarest gem in the world, Daisy. And I will gladly give you anything you ask of me. No cost is too great if I get to see you smile.”

My wavering smile is accompanied by wet eyes, and I blink trying to hold the tears at bay. I can’t go into his parent’s party with tear tracks down my cheeks.

“Don’t make me cry. Calliope put mascara on me and said it’ll run if I get it wet.”

Kai laughs, deep and warm. The sound bright enough to dry my tears, but he swipes a thumb under my eye anyways to make sure none escaped to ruin whatever Calliope did to them.

“You look perfect, Blossom. And now whenever you’re nervous or scared, you can look down to your wrist and know I’m always there with you and I will always be there to protect you. To make you smile and laugh so hard you cry, but only when you’re not wearing mascara.”

The straitjacket around my heart unbuckles and the restraints loosen as Kai melts them with his words and unique charm, and I can breathe easily again.

“Thank you, Kai. I love it.”And I think I love you.

The realization of something I sensed growing, but am too afraid to admit. This is all still new, and I don’t want to be that girl that falls in love with the first guy she dates only because he was the first. But something in me knows that’s not the case, that if I spoke those words, they would be true. I just don’t know if Kai would feel the same. So, I keep them inside for now.

“It looks better on you than it ever did on me.”

“That’s because you wear so much jewelry, its simplistic beauty is lost amongst the mass.”

“I suppose it was. Now it can shine on your wrist, getting the recognition it deserves.”

Lifting my hand to his lips he kisses my knuckles and I realize I’m no longer panicking or white knuckling his hand.

“Are you ready to go in now?”

Looking up at the huge mansion and opulence I no longer feel overwhelmed with Kai at my side.

“Yes.”

Chapter 17: Kai

When we first step through the doors to the house no one seems to notice us. Nymphs of all kinds are present, holding champagne flutes and cocktail glasses. Some nibble on tiny finger foods delivered on silver platters by white coat staff members. None of the food present is any larger than an appropriate bite size so as not to make anyone look like an uncivilized commoner. Not a burger or plate of pasta in sight.

The first to spot us is thankfully Endo, who weaves his way through the guests to meet us, his bright smile in place and directed at my blossom.

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