Page 29 of A Cursed Heart
“I do. We have not been together long, but he has been kind to me.” Maybe it wasn’t an attraction. Perhaps I was just grateful to Ryan for treating me like a person instead of a tool. That had to be it.
“Be careful with him. Ryan’s a complicated guy. I don’t know how he’s going to take your feelings about him. He’s never shown an interest in a guy, so seeing you two this morning was a shock, y’know?”
Lydia began cleaning the wounds. I could heal them with magic once all remains of the mug were gone. It was unpleasant to heal around debris in a wound.
“Yes.” I frowned, unwilling to talk about it with Lydia after how she had doubted me. Petty, yet it had hurt to be doubted. “I will protect Ryan not only because it is my duty, but because I want to. It’s been such a long time since I could act as I wanted. Ryan… is not only my master, he is my… friend.” It was the closest word to explain the bond we shared. Though it had only been a few hours, maybe half a day since we had met, I knew he was important to me. “I will not risk that.”
She nodded, covering the clean wound with a dressing and fixing it in place. “Okay then. I’m going to make breakfast before I say bye to Ryan and Freya, then head to class.”
“Thank you,” I said, keeping my eyes on the bandage on my hand instead of Lydia.
“Sorry for doubting you.” Lydia squeezed my shoulder and left the bathroom.
I sat there for a long moment, wondering what to do until Ryan appeared at my feet. He was kneeling, inspecting my face.
“Hey, are you alright?”
“Yes.”
“Cool, put the demon stuff away and come meet Freya.”
Ryan had to trust me if he was willing to let me meet his precious little girl. The idea of having his faith lifted my spirits. I had to ensure their safety—both of them—and freedom from Salvatore, no matter what it cost me.
