Page 11 of Jorax
Alone once more with Jorax, I blow out a long breath, shoulders slumping with relief now that the tension of Icaron’s intrusion has passed. I turn to face my friend, his broad shouldershunched, gaze fixed on the floor. My heart aches for him; he’s clearly swimming in misery.
Chapter Twelve
Jorax
My heart pounds as Syrryn turns to face me after dismissing Icaron’s invitation. Part of me thrills at her refusal to attend the ball with him, especially after he canceled on her last night with barely a moment’s notice. Yet my brief elation evaporates like mist in sunlight when she says there’s someone else she hopes will invite her instead.
Of course. Why would she want a monster’s company when she’s so beautiful she could have anyone? I drop my gaze, unable to meet the sympathy I know must fill her lovely green eyes. She deserves to go with someone as vibrant and beautiful as she is, to be admired and whirled around the dance floor with a male she belongs with. Not stuck in a shadowy corner making stilted conversation with a wretched beast like myself.
“Jorax.” Syrryn’s voice is soft, compelling as she steps closer.
I catch traces of her cinnamon shampoo and the underlying scent that is uniquely her—intoxicating as rare wine. My pulse kicks faster, remembering the heated press of her lithe body against mine last night.
Before I can retreat, her small hand covers mine where it clutches the lab counter. Delicate fingers interlaced with my thick ones. I shudder out a breath, afraid to move or speak so I don’t shatter this spell.
“About last night,” she begins gently.
My guttwists, bracing to hear her delicate rejection. Of course she would be kind about putting last night’s mistake to rest. That’s who she is, a good-hearted female. Her tone holds no regret—only earnest warmth.
“Your note said last night was a mistake. Perhaps it feels that way to you, Jorax, but on my end kissing you was no mistake. I want you to know how much I care for you.” She gives my hand a little shake when I remain frozen. “Jorax? Did you hear me?”
I force myself to meet her luminous gaze. The emotion shining there kicks the air from my lungs—affection. Can she read the longing in my wide eyes?
Her smile beams brighter than the glittering meteor shower as she lifts onto her toes to brush the lightest kiss to my slack lips.
“So, invite me to that ball, won’t you?” she whispers, snuggling close so I’m enveloped in her sweet-spicy scent.
Joy and gratitude swell inside me, almost too powerful to bear. Since my injury years ago, I never imagined someone could look past my repulsive exterior and see the longing soul inside, so eager to give love to anyone willing to receive it. Yet somehow this lovely, compassionate woman is expressing her interest.
I nuzzle into her silken hair, breathing her in like oxygen before I can form a reply.
“Syrryn, it would be my honor to take you to the charity ball. Will you accompany me?” I rasp with sincerity. Even though she all but ordered me to invite her, my heart is pounding like an automatic weapon, fearing she’ll refuse me.
My wide palm spans her delicate back, holding this miracle gently against my thunderous heart. “Although you should know, I don’t have much experience with dancing.”
Syrryn’s tinkling laugh vibrates into my chest. She tips her head back, eyes alight with mirth. “I’m not the world’s best, but I can teach you what I know. We’ll figure it out together.”
The sweet promise in her words leaves me lightheaded. As I gaze down at her lovely upturned face, the future shimmers with dazzling possibility for the first time since that terrible laboratory accident. With Syrryn by my side, perhaps I can become the man she deserves.
Chapter Thirteen
Syrryn
The sweet scent of grass and flowers fills my nose as Jorax and I walk hand-in-hand to the meadow behind the research facility. I chose this secluded spot surrounded by gently rolling hills to give my shy scientist his first dancing lesson before the charity ball.
I spread out the red and white checkered picnic blanket I brought, weighing down the corners with smooth stones. We can hang out on it if we want a break.
The setting sun bathes the meadow in a golden glow. In the distance, the trilling evening song of mauve-wingedplartinsfills the air.
I giggle as I toe off my shoes and dig my bare feet into the soft green grass shoots. “Take off your shoes. Feel how nice the grass is.”
Jorax arches his craggy brow but reluctantly obeys, molten eyes round with surprise as he wriggles his perfect green toes. Though so much of his body looks as though it’s been stitched together, his feet look… perfect. Why does this make my heart ache for him?
“Oh! Soft.” He scrunches those adorable toes, his face alight as though he’s never enjoyed this simple pleasure before. It strikes me that perhaps one day I’ll know dozens, maybe hundreds, of things that tip his lips into a comfortable smile. I look forward to that.
I laugh, delighted by his endearing innocence. After sliding my palm into his, I encourage, “Let’s start with something easy. Just sway back and forth with me to get used to moving together.”
Jorax licks his lips uncertainly as I position his large hands at my hips. His eyes widen and darken when I reach to loop my arms around his thick neck, pressing closer. I must admit, I enjoy how flustered I make this formidable being. In the lab, his brilliance is unparalleled. It’s nice to be on more equal footing out here.
