Page 92 of Witch Undecided
Bramble
Isit on a chair by the window of the inn. If the sun were out I’d see the whale bone arch in the distance. A great place to take photos, or so the brochures say, but there won’t be any sunlight for another two months at least.
It’s dark and ominous and I hate this place. “I think my ass is frozen and I can’t feel my face.”
“Can you ever feel your face?” Elijah asks with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
I poke my cheek. “Nothing.”
He reaches over and pulls my beanie down over my ears before sitting back in his seat. The room is warm, but it’ll take time for the chill we carried in from the outside to dissipate.
There are plenty of rooms free, but Elijah only booked one with twin beds. I didn’t miss the odd look on the receptionist’s face as she booked us in. Probably wondering if we’re related or lovers. Daughter or girlfriend, and if daughter then way too old to be sharing a room with her dad.
It’s my curse for looking so young but having a mature mind. “Have I told you how much I hate the cold?”
“Not the best weather for pixies,” Elijah agrees.
“My wings ache.”
“You don’t have wings.”
“Thanks for reminding me.”
He chuckles and this time it reaches his eyes. He’s been somber, worried, quiet. Not the Elijah I know.
I pick up my tea and take a sip, hoping it’ll thaw my insides. “You’re worrying about her again, aren’t ya?”
“Hmmm?” He frowns. “No.”
“But ya knew exactly who I was talking about.”
He sighs. “Probably because she’s all you talk about.”
“And all you think about.” I smirk at him over the rim of my mug.
His frown deepens. “It’s not like that. I care for Cora and I want her to be safe. Weneedher to be safe, but that’s all.”
“Is it?”
He looks out the window, ignoring my question. What is his deal? He has women from time to time. A week here and a week there, but he’s never been in a relationship, not as long as I’ve known him. I’d say it was a time issue, but no, Elijah has time for a lover if he wants one, and I’m not blind, I see the way he looks at Cora in unguarded moments. He wants her, but he keeps his distance.
I’m intrigued.
“Cora’s probably real pissed at you for not calling.” I look at him from beneath my lashes, scoping him out for an emotional reaction.
Nothing. No tightening of the jaw or twitch of the brow to indicate this bothers him.
“I don’t doubt it,” he says.
And me. She’ll be pissed at me too. I should have gone to see her after…after Charlotte betrayed me…us. Fuck, I loved that woman. Every time I think about what happened, lava bubbles in my stomach.
“Eat your food, Bramble,” Elijah says. “I’ve paid for this room for two nights. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
My gaze shoots up to meet his. “Excuse me?”
“You’re staying here.”
Panic tightens my gut. “Like hell I am.”
