Page 24 of Embers of Fate
“Of course he did,” I mutter, realization dawning on me. “Sickening politics... My brother’s favorite game. Trust me, this is all a sick ploy. I know Gavriil only too well.”
Mila dips her spoon in the cup, her eyes flickering to the dessert for the first time. “Maybe you’re right,” she breathes, her voice softening. “Maybe it’s just a string of lies.” She bites her lower lip, hesitation evident on her face. “But still, if Gavriil finds out that you’re seeing Nik...”
“He won’t,” I say, my resolve unwavering. “I can trust you, Mila... can’t I?” This last part comes out with overwhelming wariness, my heart clenching in my chest.
Mila pushes away the ice cream with the back of her hand, her eyes meeting mine. “Sam, your magic saved my mother’s life. I’m forever in your debt...” she says, a shadow of gloom fleeting across her countenance.
“I’m asking...” I manage, my voice trembling. “As a friend.” My hand reaches for hers, our fingers intertwining. “Gods, I wouldn’t dream of using your mom’s health as leverage. Who do you think I am? Ugh...” I wrinkle my nose in disgust at the mere thought.
“Of course you wouldn’t.” Mila gives me a warm stare, her eyes softening. “I’m sorry I followed you, Sam. I’m worried, that’s all.”
I give her a faint smile, my heart swelling with gratitude. “Don’t be.” My hold on her hand tightens, a silent plea. “Nik’s perfectly good to me... And oh, so hot.” My lips stretch into a malicious grin, heat rising on my cheeks.
Mila snickers, her eyes twinkling with mirth. “He is kind of hot.”
I start, shocked by her phrasing. “Kind of?” My eyebrows shoot sky-high, my mouth falling open in mock offense. “How dare you?” I tease, a laugh bubbling up in my throat.
“Okay, he’s super-hot,” Mila concedes, her cheeks flushing pink.
“Damn right, he is.” I nod, choking back a laugh. “And we’re going on a getaway this weekend.” I take the golden spoon next to her cup and play with it in my hand, my heart skipping a beat at the thought of being alone with Nik.
My dear friend freezes, her eyes all but bulging out of their sockets. “You... what?” Poor thing, she can barely speak.
“He has a small house,” I continue, dipping the spoon in the ice cream, the smooth, creamy texture making my mouth water. “And, guess where it is?”
“I don’t know...” Mila mumbles, her voice cautious and wary as she stares at me with undiluted apprehension. “But I have a feeling you’re gonna tell me.”
I purse my lips and scoop a spoonful of gooey, sinful chocolate ice cream, my taste buds singing with delight. “In Brittany.” My gaze cuts to hers, eyes sparkling with glee and anticipation.
Mila releases a brief gasp, her hand flying to her mouth. “Samara, you’re not seriously considering...?”
“I am,” I tell her, my voice unwavering and more gleeful than she was when she ordered her velvety treat. Nik is infinitely superior to any Michelin-starred dessert. I’ll eat him up in slow bites if I have to. The thought makes my heart sing, a warm, fuzzy feeling spreading through my chest.
“Can I count on your help?” I ask, my voice hopeful and pleading. “It’s the only way it’ll work.”
“Sam...” Mila’s voice is tormented, her face contorting with indecision.
“Please!” I beg her, my hands clasping together in front of me. “You wouldn’t have to lie! You’ve been meaning to visit your sister anyway...”
Mila sucks at her teeth, her eyes darting between me and the ice cream. “Alright,” she relents, her shoulders sagging in defeat.
I am beyond ecstatic, my heart soaring with joy. In one quick move, I sweep the glass off the table and pull Mila’s ice cream towards me. “Let’s order one more!” I say, dipping my spoon in the glass, the rich, decadent flavor exploding on my tongue. “My treat!”
Mila chortles a laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I told you... I knew you’d love it,” she scolds me warmly, her voice tinged with affection.
“Yes, you did,” I concede, a grin spreading across my face. “But then, you know me better than anyone, so it’s hardly surprising.” I wrinkle my nose and giggle, my heart light and carefree.
The next spoonful melts in my mouth, and I moan in delight, my eyes fluttering closed. “This is going to be the best weekend of my life,” I say, my voice dreamy and wistful. “I know it. I can’t wait for it to begin!”
And as I sit there, savoring the delicious ice cream and basking in the glow of Mila’s friendship, I feel a sense of hope and excitement blooming in my chest. Come what may, I know that this weekend with Nik will be a turning point in our relationship, a chance to explore the depths of our feelings for each other.
And with Mila’s support and understanding, I feel like anything is possible, like the whole world is at my fingertips.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
15
NIK
