Page 181 of The Call of Crimson
I laugh, my head thrown back, as I crash into his chest. He stumbles but catches me before we fall, steadying me with a hand on the curve of my hip.
He grins drunkenly at me. “Steady there, wild one.”
“I’m fine,” I slur. “But thanks for the save,” I add before patting his cheek.
With a deep sigh, I say, “This is it, my moment of joy for the day.”
His other hand cups my jaw as he stares into my eyes. “We could be happy together, Breyla.”
“I’m sorry, Ayden,” I whisper.
“Sorry that you don’t love me, or sorry that you know I’m right?”
My chest constricts as I realize how right he is. “Another life, another time, I think you’d be right. Against my better judgment, I trust you; hell, I actually really enjoy your company. But I don’t love you.”
He sighs, his finger gently stroking my cheek. “Your heart was never mine to hold.”
“It has a mind of its own. I’ve stopped questioning why it chose that broody brother of yours.”
“Only the gods know the answer to that, love. I’m obviously the better, more attractive choice.”
I erupt in laughter, his deep chuckles joining my own.
“You’re certainly funnier,” I say, smiling at him.
“You know I can’t call this marriage off, right?” His face is serious now, almost haunted.
“I think you could if you wanted to.” I splay a hand across his chest, meeting his gaze. “You don’t really love me, Ayden.”
“I would love you if you gave me the chance.” His voice is resolute and unwavering.
“And I’m certain you would do it well. But we don’t live in that version of the story.” I move my hand to squeeze hisshoulder in quiet apology. “We live in this one—where my heart belongs to Aurelius.”
“There are bigger things at play here, Breyla. I’ve told you what I can, but I need you to trust me. Everyone must believe our union is genuine, despite what we feel.”
“Then you must know that while you have my friendship, Ayden,” I sigh, leaning my head against his chest, the weight of it all sinking in. “I will fight you every step of the way to that altar.”
“I would expect nothing less from you.”
A beat of silence passes as the world keeps spinning around us. As we break apart, the table beneath us wobbles. The unsteady motion combines with the alcohol swimming through my veins, making a dangerous combination.
Just as I think we’ve gained our balance, a harsh winter wind hits us. I squeal as we both lose our footing and fall backward.
Ayden hits the ground first with a painful thud. I’m a heartbeat behind him, but find myself instead in the arms of Aurelius.
His heat engulfs me as I bask in the spiced bergamot scent I adore. “You caught me,” I say in wonder.
“I’ll always keep you safe,” he says, voice low and certain.
“I’m okay, thanks for asking,” Ayden says snarkily from the ground.
We both ignore him as I continue staring into Aurelius’ eyes.
“How much of our conversation did you hear?” I ask curiously.
Aurelius’ gaze is unreadable. “All of it.”
“Oh,” I whisper.
