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He took my mug away after I finished. “Going somewhere?” He nodded toward the long coat I had on over my dress.

“Yes, I’m going to Grimoire.”

Arkane paused, frowning at me. “Grimoire? You’re going out of the city?”

“Yes.”

“Bella…” He sighed. “It’s not safe.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be safe. Shouma-kun is going with me,” I reassured with a small smile.

I always went back to Grimoire for my mother’s birthday. When I told Shouma-kun that I was going, he was adamant that he tag along too. He was still beating himself up that he wasn’t there that night of the attack, and was now visiting me every day without fail, much to Arkane’s dismay, who wasn’t very impressed with Shouma-kun for some reason.

At the mention of his name, Arkane’s jaw tightened. “It’s still not safe. The White Hand might still come for you.”

“We know how to be discreet, Arkane,” I reminded him.

Arkane’s eyes never strayed from me. “Fine,” he finally said. “But I’m coming along too.”

I shook my head, frowning as I stood. “No need. It’s more unsafe for you.”

“End of, Bella,” he said, already on my side, taking my hand without a second thought. It was a simple, casual act that we once did all the time, but now, with everything between us, it felt different. But it didn’t help the way his warmth made my pulse spike.

“We’re going to Grimoire,” he said matter-of-factly, tugging me along with him.

“But Arkane, I’m going by train,” I said, as he pressed the elevator button.

His chin lifted toward me. “Then we’re going by train,” he simply said.

That response only made my heart beat louder.

What made him think that I could survive a train ride with him?

An hour later, we sat in a luxurious cabin that I certainly didn’t book. And the train was completely vacant, except for us and Arkane’s entourage. When he said we were going by train, I certainly didn’t think he would rent out the whole thing.

“Can you stop chewing loudly?” I told Shouma-kun, who was sitting opposite me, happily munching on a packet of chips. I was already frustrated with Arkane being here, and the sound was only making my headache worse.

“I’m enjoying this, Belle-chan.” He grinned, licking his fingers. “It’s not every day I get to witness such sizzling chemistry.”

I blew out a breath, deciding to stare at the window instead. Arkane was too close to me, so close that I could feel his heat on my skin. In the privacy of the loft, it felt different. But here now, in unfamiliar territory, it made me question everything between us. I hated his mixed signals.

“She asked you to stop chewing,” Arkane told him, and that only made Shouma-kun chew louder.

I shot up to my feet.

“Where are you going?” Arkane asked, frowning at me.

“To find some peace,” I said, walking out of the cabin. We had the entire train to ourselves after all. I was just about to take a seat in the lounge when I felt Arkane take the seat next to me.

“I don’t have anything else to give you, Arkane,” I told him, my eyes still aimed out the window.

I felt his head drop on my shoulder and I stiffened. “I don’t need anything else, Bella,” he whispered, something so soft and vulnerable in his tone.

I sighed softly, but didn’t say a word. He seemed lost. No longer the cold, formidable man in my presence, but the confused man trying to find an answer for the longing in his heart.

I knew in my heart that whatever Arkane and I shared was special, but he needed to figure that out by himself.

We stayed just like that till we reached Grimoire.