Page 2 of Maiming
But the bond that links didn’t sayI support you. It saidlove. It said love loud and clear within his thoughts.
“Fuck.”
Two
Lovk
“How do I say it?”
Kain’s arms flex as he hoists a stack of lumber onto his shoulder. A sheen of sweat coats his skin all the way down to his low-slung jeans, but all I can focus on is the unconcerned look his emerald eyes.
“You just say it, I don’t know. If you love him, tell him.” He trails down into the cellar of his mother’s basement and I follow after him. I don’t think about how we found Aggie here or how I murdered my boyfriend just yards away.
More important things are happening now.
“I can’t just say it,” I hiss. “That—that’s terrifying.” A warm glow of the lantern crawls over the small room. Dust lines every inch of the space. A few trinkets, an old bedframe, and a wooden tool box fill most of the tiny space.
“Say it right now.” He drops the wood with a clattering sound as he turns to me, giving me his full attention. It’s so intimidating that I don’t immediately know what to say.
“What?”
“Say the L word now and it’ll get easier.” His hands press to his hips, letting the golden light cling to the veering lines of his abdomen.
Outside, just a few feet away, the sound of a spying sparrow and a Minue quail chirping and squeaking happily can be heard over the sound of my pounding heart. Kain fed them this morning and their pleased noises are a constant flow of ecstatic chatter. I can’t even focus on the little creatures Prince Linden loaned me right now as I look at Kain.
He wants me to say I love him?
Tension snaps through the room as I realize how little space separates him from me. My arms fold and his gaze trails over the thin yellow dress that hugs my curves. If he took a single step closer, he’d be touching me.
“Okay,” I clear my throat in a quiet noise that seems to echo into the pressing silence, “Kain.” My lips part like I’ve forgotten my line.
“Yes, Arlow?” Amusement tugs at his lips, but he smothers the smile away with a signature look of seriousness.
“I—I lovk you.” My voice grows small with each little word I say.
“Lovk?” He nods as if he understands completely. “It’s a complex word to pronounce, I understand. Maybe keep practicing. I’m sure that foreign accent will clear up after a while.”
“Fuck.” My hands cover my face. A sigh slips away, and I can’t believe I’m such a screw up that I can’t even tell Chaos, the sweetest man I’ve ever met, how I feel.
Can I even blame it on Kreedence anymore? Sure, he toyed with my young confusing emotions, but I’m a woman now. I should be able to do basic woman shit. Shouldn’t I?
Warm fingertips slip across my arm. Kain pulls my hands away from my face. His warmth clashes with the cool autumn air and all I want to do is lean in as close as possible to the dirt that’s lining his skin.
“Don’t put so much expectation into it. You’re thinking too much about it. When you want to say it, your emotions won’t stop your big mouth from getting in the way.” A gleam shines in his eyes, kissing his expression with humor.
“You’re such a charmer.” I pretend to be annoyed by his teasing words, but my fingers still inch across the slick lines of his lower stomach.
The warmth of his breath skims against my cheek as we stare at one another. My attention drifts to his lips, and I realize I told himI lovk youand we haven’t even had sex.
It was just a practice I lovk you, but it’s an improvement, I’d say. I’m improving.
I think.
“My mom was looking for you.” His simple words pull away all the tingling emotions in me.
“Oh.”
Kain’s mom. She hates me.
