Page 152 of The Call of Crimson
My fingers stroke her cheek tenderly while I wait on bated breath for her answer.
When it finally comes, the tightness in my chest dissipates.
“Like we’ve ever been able to stay away from one another,” she whispers. “All my stolen moments are yours, Aurelius.”
I kiss her once more before leading her to the door.
When I open it, all I can do is stare in horror.
Well, fuck.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
AURELIUS
“Enjoying yourself, love?” Ayden asks, his tone laced with vitriol. He’s leaning against the threshold of my door, pure fury burning in his eyes.
Breyla gulps. “Ayden.”
Before I can stop him, Ayden shoves into the room, slamming the door shut behind him.
The sound shield is still in place, so I know he didn’t hear anything, but the evidence is undeniable. The look on Breyla’s face, her disheveled hair, and the blooming mark on her neck all paint a damning picture. And I’m still naked, so there’s not much question about what happened here.
“Put some godsdamned pants on, brother,” Ayden spits. “We need to have a discussion.”
Begrudgingly, I oblige. This confrontation will likely not end well.
Breyla flinches when Ayden brushes her hair aside to run his fingers over my mark. It’s not pain I see on her face, though; it’s disgust.
“What was so hard to understand when I said you two couldn’t bethis?” Sighing, he drops his hand and steps back. “Where was the confusion when you read that marriage contract ten times over, Breyla?”
Tears brim in Breyla’s eyes, her lip quivering. Breyla, who rarely shows these emotions in front of others, is crying in front ofhim. She’s not one to act or manipulate, so I know these are real.
“I’m sorry, Ayden.”
“Save your apologies.” Ayden rubs his temple, shaking his head. “They mean nothing right now.”
“Ayden, Breyla isn’t?—”
“You do not get to speak,” Ayden snarls, ramming his finger into my chest. “I let you into this kingdom because I knew it would be easier than trying to keep you out and because I wanted to know my brother. You have spit in my face at every turn, and if you were anyone else, I would have exiled you .”
I remain silent, letting Ayden spill more of his truths.
“You two have completely fucked plans I have spent years putting in place to keep everyone safe.”
“There are other ways to have peace between our kingdoms, Ayden,” Breyla says. “We don’t have to wed. I know you well enough to know you don’t want to be forced into a marriage for the sake of peace. Even if you’re the one who orchestrated it.”
“That’s not—” Ayden sighs defeatedly. “That’s not what I mean, love.”
Breyla grasps his hand, squeezing it gently, and I choke down a growl.
“I’ve been trying, Ayden. I swear I have.” She swallows hard, her tone resolute as she continues, “But my heart isn’t yours. If you force me down that aisle, you will spend your life married to a female constantly pining for your brother. Is that really the queen you pictured for your kingdom?”
“You can’t be his.” Ayden’s shoulders drop, and he pulls her into a hug. “If it comes down to spending my life next to a wife in love with another or watching my kingdom and everyone I care about fall, I will gladly sacrifice both of our happiness.”
Every muscle in my body stiffens. It’s not just his or her happiness at stake. It’s my sanity. I cannot bear the thought of him living out every dream I have with her. It will drive me mad to see her marry him, kiss him, sleep in his bed, and grow heavy with his child.
Breyla belongs to me, and they should fear how far I will go to ensure that.
