Page 52 of Loving the Alien Spy

“I didn’t actually lie,” Lindsey says. “All I did say was that you and I talked and that I now know what secrets you were keeping, but it wasn’t my place to tell anyone what they were. They took me at my word, and nothing else was said about it.”

“I trust you, but it was also just yesterday that you asked for time and space. I want to make sure you’re certain about this.”

Lindsey rises up and kisses me. “I’m certain. You were honest before when you said you had secrets you couldn’t share yet. While I’m sad and disappointed that you withheld your real identity, I understand the reasons you did it. You were raised for one thing and one thing only. It couldn’t have been easy for you to cause—and maintain—the rift with Bannik, given the fact that he’s your twin.”

I shake my head. “It has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do. He was my best friend until we were just over ten anums. That was when I was forced to begin distancing myself from him. Our relationship completely shattered right before we turned fifteen. I have been living with a hole in my heart since that day. It continues to ache, but you have healed nearly all of my hurts.”

Lindsey squeezes my hand. “I wish I could heal every one of them.”

“You have done more than you could ever know.”

At last, we approach the females’ dormitory. Just before we reach the door, it opens and a Bohnari male walks out. Our eyesmeet before he smirks, glances at Lindsey, and then shifts his gaze back to me.

“Bannik, what a pleasant surprise,” Ryvik says with a hint of amusement. “I heard your brother unexpectedly arrived in the city yesterday.”

I shouldn’t be surprised by his knowledge. I can only assume Tarrik passed along my message already, although it was faster than I expected, considering my departure from the palace wasn’t that long ago. My heart’s fire does impress me, though, with her non-reaction to the announcement. At least, none that I notice.

“He did. I was summoned to the palace after his arrival and again this morning. We exchanged…words.”

“Yes, I heard that as well.”

I glance over his shoulder toward the door he exited from. “What are you doing here anyway?”

Ryvik grins with far too much smugness, but before he can answer, Lindsey does so. “You’re the Bohnari courting Cadence. I’ve seen you sitting in the atrium with her a few times.”

The male’s grin widens, and I wish for nothing more than to erase it from his face. “Yes, she is a lovely female. I am considering making her be my mate.”

“Making her?” Lindsey’s voice rises. “I’m pretty sure it’s not up to you. You won’t bemakinganyone be your mate. That’s not how that works, buddy.”

I tug my mate closer to me and can sense how much she is seething.

Ryvik merely laughs, but there is a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes. “Your heart’s fire is a fierce one.”

A fire ignites in my belly, and my sharpened fangs puncture my tongue so blood fills my mouth. It takes more control than I’ve ever exerted not to claw out his throat and watch him suffer for daring to look at my mate like that. I swallow the tangy fluid before I’m able to reply. “She is.”

“Well, the two of you appeared in a hurry when you arrived, so I won’t keep you,” he says and moves to walk around us. “I’m sure you have things to do.”

If for some reason he ishere by mere coincidence and hasn’t spoken to Tarrik yet, then why wait for two nights before we meet? I would prefer get the information from him sooner rather than later. Or at least attempt to get it.I release Lindsey’s hand and step in front of him so he’s forced to stop or collide with me. “There is actually something I wished to speak with you about. Perhaps you and I can go get a drink at the tavern?”

“It’s awfully early, don’t you think?” He smirks once more.

“One drink won’t hurt, will it?”

“I suppose I have time for one. That is, if your heart’s fire doesn’t mind.”

Lindsey smiles, but I can tell it isn’t genuine because it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I don’t mind at all. You boys go and have fun.”

I move back to her and palm her cheeks. She grips my wrists and stares up at me with worry.

“I’ll come see you when I’m finished.”

“You better.” My heart’s fireisfierce.

After a brief kiss, I release her and turn to Ryvik. “After you.”

He shoots a glance at Lindsey before heading off. I fall in line beside him, doing my best to keep the urge to tear him apart for daring to look her way reined in. Something about this feels too easy. I wish I knew what game he’s playing. Had Tarrik gotten my message to him and it’s merely coincidence he was at the females’ dormitory when we arrived, or did he plan his exit to time perfectly with our arrival?

“I spoke briefly with Tarrik not so long ago. At the palace.”