Cole
This time when I end up in Rose’s bedroom, I don’t hesitate. Once I feel my feet beneath me, I lunge for her, drawing her into my arms.
Her form coalesces with my touch. “Oh, Cole. It’s been so long. I was really worried.” She fidgets like a frightened bird.
“Shh, I’m here. Everyone’s safe,” I lie.
“When the Draugar came, I thought … ” She lowers her voice to a whisper, “Pan says if I leave the tower, they will kill me. It’s my worst nightmare.”
Her admission echoes Pan’s threat.
Since our dearest Rosamond is unwilling to share. Feed us with your fear. Face the terrors deep within your own minds.
He’s using our fears against us? Cheap shot, you dirty bastard.
She holds me tighter. “I’m so happy you’re here. I wish you could bring your friends, next time. I want to meet Gideon and Raven.”
“I know. You’ll meet them soon.” I slide my first finger beneath her chin, remembering the crushing loneliness here. Water gurgles nearby. I briefly wonder if a stream runs under the tower.
“I’ve been so curious about them, you know? And, of course, I need to thank Gideon for all he’s done for me. He must be pretty special.” Her words hit a sour note, which must show on my face because she quickly adds, “Oh, gosh and Raven and you, too, of course. Everyone’s been wonderful.”
Her eyes brighten with a smile so sweet, I forget what I was about to say, and my mind takes a different tack. “I’m going to kiss you now, Rose.”
Her breathing accelerates with her Ooh. The apples of her cheeks pink, but she doesn’t resist.
As my hands slide down her arms, my heart rate surges. It may have been a while, but I definitely remember this part. I lower my head, brushing my lips against her closed mouth. She’s trembling, so I assume this is a first for her.
She leans into me with a sigh and stumbles a little. We smile against each other, all lips and teeth and bumping noses. I pull her body closer and try again. This time, she responds with less awkwardness. I raise my hand to cup her cheek. Her hands encircle my neck. Nudging her lips apart, I slip my tongue inside. The taste cool and rimy with a bite like January.
Suddenly, Rose fists my shirt with both hands, while her tongue plunders my mouth like a pro. My lids fly open, but arousal soon overcomes surprise. I close my eyes, and match her enthusiasm.
I’m aware of everything and nothing at once. The press of her fingers on my shoulder, her soft hair brushing my skin, thundering heartbeats, mixing breaths heating our faces. When I finally break away, we’re both panting.
Rose steps aside, feet disappearing to mist. She raises the back of her hand to her swollen lips. As she looks away, her lashes create a veil over her eyes, as though she’s keeping secrets. “I guess we got carried away.”
“I guess we did.” Either my Rose is a very fast learner, or that wasn’t her first kiss after all. Not that I care.
She glides to her little chair by the window and sits.
The lure of more snogging lodges firmly at the forefront of my mind, but I take the hint and sit several feet away on her bed. “Rose?”
“Hm.” She pulls her attention from the window and smiles. “Yes, Cole?”
“I met someone here who mentioned a connection to Pan and silver circles. Have you ever heard of them?”
“Silver circles? No, I haven’t.”
Her dismissal is so fast, I’m not sure I have her full attention. “Are you sure? It could be important. Does Pan wear glasses, or own any silver jewelry? The smallest thing could—”
“No.” Her eyes sharpen to something hard and immovable. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She’s so agitated that I suspect her, but of what, I can’t say. Immediately, I feel like a prat for thinking the worst. She could be afraid or simply telling the truth, or both.
As always, the room spins without warning. Pieces of me wear away as my tie to her severs. I curse myself for wasting our last moments on Pan. For making her uneasy, but we really need some answers.
Rose slouches in her chair, expression full of longing. I know it so well, the ache of waiting and wanting.
“Hold on,” I tell her. We’ll be together soon.”
Soon …