Page 7 of Nyx
“We could use ingredients from the garden, and it doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. I just…”
“I understand,” he says, and for once, the sarcasm is missing from his tone. The softness is jarring, and I swear, every inch of my body must be neon red by now.
“Or actually, you know what? We probably shouldn’t, because this is a terrible idea, and…”
“Reyes.” My name leaves him with such gentleness that it stops my rambling and forces me to meet his eyes again. “We can work on a few things. I’ll help you, but you need to be… careful.”
“I wouldn’t hurt him,” I say, so quietly it’s almost a whisper.
“Not on purpose… just like he wouldn’t purposefully hurt you.”
“Even if he does, I can take it,” I argue, setting my jaw.
“Can you? What if he shuts down because he doesn’t know how to process basic kindness? Can you handle that? Or what if he needs space? Will you be able to give it to him, or will you need more?”
“I have been, haven’t I?” I counter, crossing my arms over my chest. “This whole time, I’ve respected his boundaries. I wouldneverask for more than he has to give.”
Ronan pushes out a heavy sigh, though he seems wary, not annoyed. “With Nyx, we don’t know what we’re dealing with… not really.”
“It’s only food,” I mutter, looking away.
“Is it?”
“Oh, my gods! Stop it with the dramatic rhetorical questions!” I snap, and his snark returns full force as his brow hikes again. “If you don’t want to do it, just say so rather than talking to me in that condescending tone.”
“You and that temper—” he starts, but I interrupt him.
“You’re one to talk, aren’t you?” We’ve both stepped closer, baring our teeth, even if mine are level with his stupid broad chest. Ronan throws his shoulders back and stands at his full height, but after staring at me for a moment longer, he deflates.
“Fuck,” he groans, dragging his palm over his face. “Yeah, Reyes. I’ll show you how to make a few things.”
Embarrassment replaces my anger, and I scold myself for losing my temper when I’m the one coming to him for help. “Thanks. Look, I’m sorry, okay? The heat has mademe cranky, and I’m a mess from working in the garden today. I’m going to rinse off in the creek before I go home.”
“Are you not eating here?” he asks, and I shake my head.
“Not tonight. You don’t have to make me anything.” It’s the same excuse and cop-out I give him every time I bail, and he responds with the same insistence.
“No, it’s fine. Gocool off, and I’ll set a bowl in the windowsill for you.” I don’t miss his double entendre, but after the stunt I just pulled, I let him have the win.
“Thanks,” I say with a white-flag exhausted smile, and Ronan’s head tilts in that observant way he has about him.
“Nyx is eating at home today, too. I was going to deliver his, but since you’re headed that direction…” My heart kicks in my chest as Ronan’s lip curves into a knowing smirk. “Could you take it for me?”
“Yeah,” I squeak, my voice tight, before I grab my throat and clear it, trying to soothe the nerves. I attempt a slightly more composed smile, but the cocky bastard only smirks deeper. “Yeah, yep, I can do that. No, uh… no problemo.”
No problemo?!
When the fuck have I ever said that, andwhywould I choose now to start?
“Thanks. I’ll leave them both out for you.” His grin spreads further, and I dart away before I can die of embarrassment. His chuckle follows me as I try very hard to look casual, even with my shoulders annoyingly stiff.
I grab clean clothes and soap from my house, and once I duck into the forest, I finally relax. My overstimulated mind loosens a notch of its tension as the quietstillness envelopes me, and a quick glance around confirms I’m alone.
Damp fabric clings to my torso as I tear my shirt off, tossing it onto the rocks with a wet plop. Even though the day is hot, the breeze that brushes over my skin brings a welcome coolness. My eyes close and my face tilts up towards the early evening sky. Dappled, dancing shadows cause light and dark to shift over my eyelids, and a deep inhale fills my lungs.
One breath, then two, and from there, they come easier.
Despite my time at the village, I still feel like an outsider sometimes. Ronan likes to give me a hard time, and I don’t think a day has passed without his sarcastic jabs and teasing comments. There’s no actual heat behind them, though. He just does it because it amuses him.
