Page 81 of Midnight of Ashes
Wariness flitted across Easton’s expression. “What’s wrong?”
I worried the inside of my cheek as I searched for the right words. “I want you to want me for me, not because the bond broke you.”
“The bond didn’t break me. You did. Because of who you are.”
I shook my head, scooting out of his touch. The loss of his hand on my face killed me. “You don’t even know me. Because you’ve been hell-bent on keeping me at arm’s length.”
Easton’s eyes flashed. “I know you, Hayden. Like I know my own soul. That’s what a true mate is.”
“But I want to be more to you than a true mate. I want to be the person you choose. Not just someone who’s been forced on you.”
41
KNOX
Easton’s expression closed down at Hayden’s words. “You weren’t forced on me.”
She arched a brow in challenge. “Really? Because that’s what you’ve treated me like from day one.”
He snapped his mouth closed. Because there wasn’t any argument to be made. Hayden was completely right. Easton might be coming around now, but his actions had consequences.
He shoved off the bed and stalked toward the door, slamming it behind him.
Hayden’s shoulders slumped as she curled in on herself.
I had the burning urge to deck Easton all over again. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled Hayden into me. “It’s going to be okay.”
“Am I a massive bitch?”
“Hey, don’t talk about my mate that way.” My fingers stroked over my claiming mark and down to the swirl of air below it. I’d never get tired of seeing my brand on her skin.
“He was sort of trying, in his own way,” Hayden mumbled against my chest.
“He hurt you,” I said softly. Just saying the words killed. To know that my brother, my twin, had done such damage to the woman I loved.
Hayden’s fingers traced the gemstone on my bicep, sending a shiver of pure pleasure through me. “He did. I know it’s complicated, though. Hurting me wasn’t personal. But I can’t just magically forget that it ever happened. And he hasn’t taken the time to get to know me.”
I held her tighter. “I get that.” My lips brushed over her temple again. “Just give him a chance to get to know you, okay?”
I didn’t have any right to ask this of Hayden, but I did it anyway. Because I couldn’t stand seeing her or my brother in pain. And they both would be until they figured this thing out.
Hayden tipped her head back so that she could see my eyes. “You’re a softie, you know that?”
I gave her a mock scowl. “No. I’m ferocious and terrifying.”
She giggled. “I’m shaking in my boots.”
Leaning in, I nipped her bottom lip lightly. “You should be.”
Hayden answered the nip by pressing her mouth to mine. My tongue stroked in on instinct, but I forced myself not to take things any further. She’d been through too much yesterday. When I finally pulled away, Hayden’s eyes were slightly glassy.
“You’re good at kissing.”
I chuckled. “Glad you think so.” The humor left my tone. “How are you feeling? Really?”
Hayden reached up and stroked my jaw. “I’m okay. I know I’ll have to deal more with the emotional side of things, but having you and the rest of our bond…it makes me feel safe.”
I pressed my forehead to hers, breathing in her jasmine scent. “I’m glad. But you know that if you ever need to talk about anything, I’m always here.”
