Page 72 of Rite of Unity

“I’m an excellent driver, Maryn.I promise.”

Chapter 18

Maryn

Iswallowed.“Okay.”

When I still hadn’t moved, he cleared his throat.

I ducked my head, the folds of my tall hair, just missing the doorframe as I sank into the seat.

In the back, a woman in gray sat, staring straight ahead.

I turned to face her.“Hello.”

Beside me, Elias slid into the driver’s seat, folding his long frame behind the wheel.Every inch of him was pressed and polished, not a hair out of place.“She can’t speak.”

My gaze shot to him.“I know.”

He gave me another easy smile.“You’re kind.I like that about you.”

My cheeks warmed, and I faced the front.

Elias wrapped a hand around the steering wheel.“Ready?”

I nodded, staring ahead at the dark street lit only by two low yellow beams.When we didn’t move, I peeked under my lashes at Elias.

He was still facing me.I had the sudden feeling of being studied rather than seen.

His eyes met mine, searching.“I hope you know how glad I am to see you.To get to know you better.”

My shoulders relaxed.

“But if you’re not up for it tonight.We can reschedule.”

A jolt shot through me, but I smoothed the fabric of my skirt, looking down.“It’s just been a long day.”

His easy smile dropped.“It was your trial today, wasn’t it?”

I nodded.

He laid a hand on my knee.“I’m sorry.I’ve been looking forward to tonight, but I didn’t think about what it must have been like for you.”

I stared at the hand radiating heat through the thin fabric of my gown.

“I’ll take you back.”

My pulse raced.“No!”My gaze shot up to his face.I tucked a loose curl behind my ear.“I want to spend time with you, too.”

He searched my face longer than I’d expected.If I wanted to cancel, he would have.

I laid my hand over his, lacing our fingers together.

“I’ll be fine.”It wasn’t entirely a lie.

He dipped his chin, a slow smile inching across his face.“Good.I planned everything.”

I exhaled slowly, watching him—not the road.