Page 62 of Myths and Manuscripts
I hopped out of bed before I could change my mind and burst into the hallway. The sconces were even brighter than usual, lighting my way to Thorne’s bedroom right next to mine. He’d said it was so he could protect me better, but I noticed he put Leo and Dain in rooms on the opposite side of the castle. Having my bodyguard that far away felt like the opposite of protection, but I couldn’t help but smile remembering his blush when he’d shown me which room was mine.
He wanted me next door for more than just protection. And I had to admit, I kind of liked it.
Knowing he was right next door had sent my mind buzzing more than once when I was trying to fall asleep, so it was abouttime I made use of these side-by-side rooms. I raised my hand to knock on his door but stopped before my knuckles touched the wood.
Was this really a good idea?
Once he read it, I’d know how he really felt about the story. No more wild dreams of everyone loving it, no more fantasy about him thinking it’s the best story ever. After how much time he’d spent dissecting my last book, I knew he’d take notes on every aspect of this one too. He wouldn’t leave anything out, no matter how tough it would be to hear.
I paced from his room, to mine, and back to his over and over as my mind raced. I really thought he’d like the ending I chose, but what if I was wrong? What if he hated the entire book? There wasn’t enough time to start over, not if I was going to submit it for the competition. He needed this book to be perfect. Every character I’d met since coming in here did.
This wasn’t just a story to them, it was their lives, and somehow I’d let Thorne convince me to make sweeping decisions that would affect all of them.
“This is way too much pressure.” I clutched the manuscript, pacing even faster and muttering to myself. “Way, way too much. Why did I think I could do this?”
I froze at the sound of Thorne’s door creaking open. I slowly turned around, plastering a smile on my face. “Oh, hello. How are you doing tonight?”
“Better than you, it seems.” A bemused smile graced his lips as he leaned against the doorframe. “You talk to yourself a lot, you know. Usually when you’re stuck on a scene or you’re worried about something.”
He was far too observant, which meant there was no chickening out now.
I sighed and pushed the thick stack of pages at him. “I was hoping you’d read my book.”
“You want me to read it?” He almost dropped the pages and had to use his shadows to catch a few of them. “Does that mean you’re done?”
I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling weird now that the pages were gone. “I’m almost done. I think you’re going to love it, so I wanted to share it with you, that’s all.”
“Oh, well come in then.”
He turned, allowing me to step inside, but I caught the smile on his face before he did. He looked happier than a mossmew in lavender pot and it made all my worries wash away. Thorne believed in my writing more than I did. It’s why he picked me to be his writer, so I should have nothing to worry about.
I hadn’t been in his room since we’d brought the mattress in, which felt like a week or so ago, but I couldn’t be sure. I’d completely lost track of time once I really dug into the second half of the book. His room looked different though, cozier.
The bed had thick pillows and the end table looked like it was part of a set with mine. There was even a plush rug on the floor and a fireplace!
“Stop gawking,” he said with a laugh. “I just got a few things that seemed interesting. The woman at the store helped me when we went back for Leo’s mattress. And then again with Dain’s.”
I grinned. “You are such a softie. Honestly, you’re going to have half the town living with you soon.”
“It was practical.” He set my manuscript on the table and motioned for me to sit on the bed. “Are you hungry? I can make us something to eat.”
His bed was just as comfortable as mine, pillowing my body like it was made for me. A yawn escaped before I could stop it.
“Sorry.” I stretched my arms out as exhaustion hit me like a brick. “Dinner sounds nice, but I’m afraid I’d fall asleep before I ate it. Maybe we could make breakfast together in the morning?”
“Deal.” He joined me on the bed, his weight shifting the mattress just enough for my shoulder to brush against his. “I bet your muscles are stiff from being hunched over your manuscript all day, right?”
“You have no idea,” I groaned. “We should have gotten a desk and a comfortable chair while we were shopping.”
“You’re absolutely right.” He moved further back on the mattress, resting his strong hands on my shoulders. “Let me make it up to you.”
His whispered promise sent tingles through me as he carefully swept my hair to the side so he could massage my shoulders. Each press of his hands hit one of my tense spots perfectly, releasing every pent-up bit of stress I’d accumulated over the past few weeks. I let out a soft moan as his hands expertly dug into my back and his shadows gently drifted over my skin like velvet.
“How are you so good at this?” I asked softly as his hands swept down my back. “Nevermind, just don’t stop.”
His quiet laugh danced across my skin, his breath warm as he encircled me in shadowy comfort. Everything about him was so kind. I leaned back against him as my eyes grew heavier and heavier.
“You’re falling asleep, aren’t you?” he asked.
