Page 39 of Phoenix's Fire

"Sorry, Shannel," he told her, easing her back. "I've been a little busy lately."

So she trailed a nail down his neck. "You haven't replaced me already, have you?"

"No, I've been - " he tried.

She didn't let him finish. "Or did you seduce the new Mole too?" Her tone had turned acidic.

"Shannel," Rymar said, his voice holding a warning.

"Well, you've clearly gotten close withher!" And she looked right at me.

His reply came hard and fast. "I didn't come see you because we can't even have a whole conversation without you telling me I'm wrong," he snarled into her face. "And you're doing it again. I'm here with my friend, you're trying to insult her, and you think that's going to what? Impress me? No. I didn't take you on another date because I don't actually like you."

"Asshole!" she huffed. "Fuck you, Rymar."

"Did that!" he shot back before turning me up the street again. "Let's go, Ayla."

Wow. That had not been at all polite! Her, mostly, because I was impressed at how brazenly Rymar had put her in her place. Granted, I didn't know if that was a good thing or not, but it sure felt like she'd deserved it. Mostly because of the way she'd sneered at me!

"Sorry," he mumbled when we were far enough away.

"I don't know what just happened," I admitted, the pair of us still walking.

Rymar sighed heavily. "You know how I said you can end things if they aren't working? Well, she's one of those things that didn't work," he admitted. "Fuck. I'm just shit at love, if I'm honest. It's like..." He let his head drop to his chest. "Never mind. That's not really your problem."

So I glanced back, making sure the rude woman was out of sight, then stopped again. "You're my friend," I said, catching his hand. "I don't have to understand to listen, and sometimes it's nice to just tell someone, even if they don't get it. I used to tell Meri and Callah all about my books, so I know that from experience."

"Thank you," he said, letting his fingers curl against mine. "But it's not your problem. I was supposed to be helping you understand things, not making it worse."

A little giggle slipped from my lips. I bit it back, trying not to embarrass him. "Rymar, are you a desirable prospect?" I teased. "Because everyone seems to want to talk to you. If we were in the compound, I'd say they were trying to catch your eye so you'd propose, and I'm not sure of the right phrase here, but you know what I mean."

Which made him laugh a bit. "Well, I'm pretty well known in town because I'm the deputy mayor."

"The second-in-charge of Lorsa," I said, showing I knew that.

He nodded. "Yeah. I also have very bright colors, and to people here, that's a sign of beauty. Kinda like..." He paused. "Do the Moles have something like that? Maybe long hair on a woman? Muscles on men?"

"Both," I agreed. "Women who had to cut their hair for any reason were mocked as being disgusting, or manly, even. Men with muscles are fit and considered good providers, although none of them have muscles like Dragons."

"Well, people think I'm attractive," he said, sounding like it was nothing more than an explanation - not bragging. "The problem is, none of them want to know me. They like my looks, or my job, or how much money I have. Some of them - like Shannel - don't actually likeme. They like what they think I can do for them."

"That's the way the men looked at women in the compound," I said. "Like we weren't people."

"Yeah," he breathed. "That's why I want to make sure kissing someone isyourdecision, Ayla. Not Zasen's - or anyone else who tries. I want to make it clear you can talk to me and that I get it. We're friends like that, and if anyone tries - even Zasen - you can tell me, and I will make sure they stop trying."

"Thank you," I breathed. "I just feel stupid asking about it."

"And yet you'll have to explain it to Meri," he countered. "I get it, Ayla. Trust me, I know how much it sucks to be treated like an object,andhow hard it is to trust anyone afterwards."

"Because you don't trust people?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I trust our friends."

I looked up at him in a whole new way. "Yeah, me too, and you're one of mine."

The smile he gave me this time was soft - and deeper than any I'd seen on him before. Like it reached all the way down into his soul. "That's all I want. Ayla, I just want to make sure youalwayshave someone you can trust. I think you deserve nothing less."

I nodded, squeezing his hand again. "Only if you agree to let me do the same for you."

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