Page 11 of Reflections of Peonies
“I brought you something,” he said.
Titus had spoken the exact words not so long ago, and the recollection caused a pang to shoot through my chest. With everything that had happened, I had forgotten to follow up on his mother’s hairpin. Surely, it was destroyed, and I had made such a scene over it. He had to know.
But why didn’t he say anything when I saw him in the hospital?
I missed them all so much.
I wanted to ask Julian about the others. Not knowing was driving me crazy. But now that he was closer, it was clear that he was upset.
And that was more important than my worries.
“Hey,” I said, grabbing his hand. “What’s wrong?”
He blinked, stunned at my question, but a moment later, the emotion vanished. It was replaced entirely with a serenity I now knew to be a lie.
Something had happened. I was sure of it. Why was he hiding it from me?
Julian pulled out a small bundle wrapped in a white cloth and handed it to me before he said, “There’s just a lot going on right now. Titus has destroyed his mansion, and—”
“Why did Titus destroy his home?” But I was no longer watching him. I’d opened the package to find a small, yellow cake. “You brought me food? What is this?”
“It’s a honey cake,” Julian said. He broke off a piece and placed it in my mouth. “Miles made it for you. And don’t worry about Titus. He’s fine now.”
My lips tingled where Julian’s fingers touched me, and the sweet flavor of the cake spread through my mouth. I’d been ravenous, but how did Miles know my favorite food?
“Thank you.” I licked my lips. “I didn’t realize what it was. It looks different from the way Finn makes it.”
Julian’s brows furrowed. “Finn makes you cake?”
I nodded, holding my hands out in the shape of a small circle. “Every day. He always gave me one like this. It was flat. I’ve never seen one look like a muffin before.”
Julian pinched his nose. “Finn gave you cake.”
My heart jerked. I’d never thought anything of it, but what if this was bad? What if everything was part of Finn’s sinister plans? “Shouldn’t he have?”
“It’s a sign of affection.” Julian sounded put out. “It’s tradition to leave offerings to the fae. Those offerings are normally small cakes, milk, chocolate, or fruits.”
My face flushed. I wasn’t sure what Julian was saying, but itwasn’t like him to speak about Finn without death threats. “I thought you hated Finn.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I dislike him immensely.” Julian dropped his hand as his eyes met mine. “But I’ve recently become aware there are some things that need reevaluation.”
What did that mean?
He watched me as he raised his hand, almost touching my face. He seemed almost afraid.
Before I could question it, his fingers grazed my cheek.
I could barely feel him, but the connection was stronger than anything we’d shared before. And as I watched him curiously, I couldn’t stop leaning into his touch.
“Julian?”
“You really don’t mind when I touch you?” Julian asked, his gaze softening. There was a hint of disbelief in his voice.
I raised my eyebrow in response. Didn’t we already have this discussion? “I already told you… and I still have that word to use if I don’t.”
“But you don’t want anyone other than us touching you?” Julian seemed to be searching for something. I wasn’t sure what, but his question caused a shiver to shoot down my spine.
“N-no,” I answered, my breath thin. “I don’t like when other people touch me.”
