Page 44 of The Scars Within
Confused, I replied, “It’s from Aunt Co—Professor Reyes’s Herbology class. Didn’t you have the same lesson last year?”
Shayde swallowed and then nodded, “Oh, yeah. I totally forgot. Mine didn’t last that long, unfortunately.” He shifted his weight and slid his hands into his jacket pockets. I swear I saw a muscle in his jaw twitch.
Doubt bubbled in my chest, but I pushed it aside. Unlike his brother, he leaves everything on the table, so I forced myself to believe his words.
Mageia is supposed to be a fresh start. I don’t want to fall back into the habit of keeping my guard up for no reason, especially over something as simple as a potted plant.
Shayde’s warm hand gently wrapped around my elbow, and the unease melted away, replaced by a feeling I couldn’t quite describe.
“Would you like to hang out again this evening?” he asked.
The Wylder brothers are like night and day.
While Shayde is a calm, steady breeze. Rhodes is a storm strong enough to wipe out the world.
While Shayde seems like an easy-going romantic comedy, Rhodes is a thrilling romance with an emotionally devastating ending.
With Rhodes, I can see myself being lost.
But with Shayde, I can see myself being found.
So, embracing the need to put myself back together, I raised my chin. And after a few moments of thought for dramatic effect, I finally answered, “Sure.”
Shayde leaned in closer, his face only inches from mine. Just like his brother, he towers over me, making me feel small—but never inferior. For a split second, I thought he was about to…kiss me.
“I’ll meet you here after dinner, okay?” he said softly.
The spark within my chest nearly stole my breath. “Okay.”
We stood there for what felt like an eternity, time seemingly frozen. Then Shayde leaned in a little more and softly brushed his lips against my cheek.
The blush that had been confined to my cheeks spread to my entire face. His simple, unexpected gesture left me breathless, and for a moment, I couldn’t think or move. I was so stunned that I didn’t even realize he’d already started walking away.
Shayde glanced back over his shoulder, a playful smile on his lips. “And hey, no party tonight—just you and me,” he winked before walking off.
I remained rooted to the spot, utterly floored, replaying the moment over and over in my mind. Until someone bumped my shoulder, knocking me out of my stupor. I entered our dorm to drop off my plant and found its spot that my friends had left open on our windowsill. Mine has four stems, each about three inches tall, standing straight up from the soil. Although naming them wasn’t a part of the assignment, I’ve decided to call my plant Jeffery.
“Well, Jeffery. Looks like I’ll be finding another missing puzzle piece of myself tonight.”
Chapter 18
I must have floated to Survival Training because I don’t even recall the walk. All I’ve been able to think about for the past ten minutes is Shayde’s kiss. I’ve had brief flings before, back in Caydean, but nothing serious. I know Shayde has been extra friendly lately—and it is obvious to his brother, too—but after the last few years, the thought of being with someone in that way hasn’t crossed my mind.
Maybe it’s because I never imagined I’d be free again.
“Where have you been?” Tatum’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.
“Oh, I—” I started, but Laney cut me off, invading my personal space.
“You’re blushing.”
“I am not!”
“You are,” Laney replied, her tone laced with gentle amusement.
“And why would she be blushing?” Cleo chimed in from beside me.
“Would you all just leave me alone?” I muttered, placing my hand on Laney’s forehead and gently pushing her back. She didn’t resist; she just shifted her weight to one hip and crossed her arms, giving me that classic Laney look.
