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“Jas, I’m really really sorry about the other night.” Rowan looks at me with such an earnest expression that I do believe him. But I was left feeling pretty hurt and rejected by his sudden departure. Not to mention horny. Though, that problem has been taken care of for a while at least. I’m goddamn sore down there, and it really has been a while since I could make that complaint.
“It’s okay,” I say dismissively. It’s not that it’s okay, it’s more of an ‘I don’t want to talk about it’ kind of thing. Talking about it means thinking about it, thinking about it means being vulnerable. Hard pass, thanks.
“But it’s not okay,” Rowan presses. I almost get pissed off, but he surprises me when he opens his mouth to continue. “I can tell you’re not comfortable and don’t want to talk about this. But I want to say that I am sorry and I want to make it up to you. If you still like me, that is.”
I stare at him. Like, really stare at him, and that’s how I notice the differences that set him apart from his brother. He has a tiny scar in his right eyebrow. Somehow that little flaw, a flicker of imperfection, makes him even sweeter.
“I still like you,” I admit.
“Can I take you out tonight?” He beams at me, and I shake my head.
“I’m sorry. I really just need some time. I forgive you, and I still fancy you. I also want to keep getting to know you but I need to move a little slower so that I don’t get burned this time around.”
His face falls, but he nods his understanding.
“And I really don’t want your brother coming on any more dates with us.”
“He’s convinced you're our fated mate. For the both of us. And I’m inclined to agree.”
I start to shake my head to deny it, but stop. It would just be foolish. I denied a connection with Ash and Oakley, and look where that got me: even without either of them around, I can still feel them like some damn creepy wielder of the force.
“Look, he may be right. I think there’s a connection between me and you, for sure. There may even be one with Linden and me too. But that doesn’t mean he can force it.” I close my eyes and take a deep breath, ready to go back to my pizza, when a vision briefly flits through my mind: Linden approaching the house and ringing my bell. “He can’t keep gate-crashing our time together. He needs to get to know me himself.”
Oh the irony as the doorbell goes.
“You can get that; it’s for you,” I tell Rowan.
“How do you know?”
“Just a hunch.” I shrug, annoyed. Why does Linden keep popping up when he’s least wanted? Why’s he here? What was his issue the other night anyway?
Rowan gets to his feet and goes to open the door. I hear him swear softly and then step outside onto the doorstep. A quickly muttered amplification spell means I still get to hear every word.
“Dude, what are you doing here?” Rowan sounds exasperated.
“I want to see her,” Linden replies, sounding agitated.
“She’s still mad at you. Hell, she’s still mad at me. And I don’t blame her! It’s why she sent me to the door.”
“How did she know it was me?”
“She said it was just a hunch, but I’m pretty sure she had a vision.”
“Yeah right!” Linden scoffs.
“She’s a witch with visions. You need to accept it and get the hell over whatever your issue is here!”
Linden gives an exasperated groan. “You’ve got to help me. This bond thing is driving me crazy. She’s under my skin and in my head. I can’t think of anything else.” He sounds tortured. Rowan takes pity on him and softens his tone.
“Look, calm down. Breathe. You need to try and get to know her on your own. You can’t keep tagging along with me and showing up unannounced. No more pretending to be me shit either. She needs to get to know you. The real you.”
“I’ve been such an asshole.”
“Yeah, you have.”
“It’s just this bond has me so freaked out. I never expected…”
“I know, I know. Get out of here. Text Jas and ask her out. Just the two of you.”
