Chapter 83 Jumbled Thoughts
766words
"You're lucky I didn't break down that door." Kayn was in an almost perfect shape, except he had a bandage on one of his arms and a dark bruise on his cheek. He gave me a once-over, and I became hyper-aware that I was still wearing Ember's shirt and teeny tiny shorts.
I crossed my arms to my chest. "Who does this, anyway? I told you I didn't want to see any of you."
"Heard you the first time," he stepped closer. He remained still for a while as if he was considering his words. "You've said some nasty things to Ember."
"I'm not proud of it," I said. "But I did what I had to."
"You hurt her, Carly. She cares greatly about you."
"I know!" I cried out. "That's the thing, that's why I did it."
"You should have left when I told you the first time."
"I know," I sucked in a sob. "If only you all bothered to tell me the truth. I would have listened. I would have left."
"No, you wouldn't have."
"I would have!"
He leaned closer. "You forget again, I know things. Especially where you are concerned."
"Don't pretend like you know me," I scowled. "You don't know what I—" I fell quiet when the realization sunk in. "Why. Didn't. You. Tell. Me." I punched him in the chest as I bit out each word.
"What's the point?" He grabbed my hand and held it firmly inside his. "Oh, hi, welcome to Scotland. We are merfolk, hence why we don't want you here. And yeah, it could get us all killed if you don't take my warning seriously. What would you have done?"
"That's not what I was talking about!" I tried to fight against the grip he had around my hand. He didn't let go, staring at me like I sprouted ten heads.
"Then what are you talking about?"
"The stupid—let me go, damn it."
"So you could hit me again?"
"Kayn!"
"No."
I tried to shove him, only for him to grab my other hand too. I cried out in frustration. "The stupid bond thing. Why didn't you tell me?"
He seemed caught off-guard. "Oh, that."
"Yes, that. Why didn't you tell me?" I asked. "I had to find out from some creep merman!"
"Creep merman?" A dark brow arched. "I learn something from you every day."
"This isn't funny, Kayn. Ember almost died. You—no, wait, we almost died." I attempted to shove him again, only for him to pull me closer. "You have no idea how it felt for me to see you like that. To try and feel if your heart's still beating, because I was convinced you were dead!"
"But we didn't."
"Not yet," I retorted. "You really think you two hanging near me is a good idea?"
"No."
"Then just go!"
His eyes locked with mine. "No."
I screamed through gritted teeth. "Why are you making this worse? Why don't you just leave me alone?"
"Because I don't want to."
It was in that moment I realized I was trapped between him and a counter, his grip still firm on my hands. I glanced up at him, trying to form a coherent sentence, but my tongue went limp inside my mouth.
"Yes, this is dangerous. But I'll be damned if I end up as miserable as my grandfather." He let go of my hands, standing so close our legs touched. He placed a hand on either side of me on the edge of the counter. "I'm not going anywhere because I want to be with you."
All the jumbled thoughts went straight out of the window by the look he gave me.
"You...What?" I wasn't sure if I heard him right.
"I want you," he said simply.
"You want—" I let the words sink in. I shook my head, putting my hands against his chest and trying to push him away. Of course, he doesn't budge. "You only want me because of this stupid bond thing. You don't like me, remember? Strong feelings like hate don't become like overnight."
"You still don't get it." He leaned closer, and I could feel the heat of his breath on my face and the sweet smell of mint. "I told you I acted that way because I thought it was for the best. All the good that did for me," he muttered. "I'm not proud of it. I regret it as much as you regret what you said to Ember."
