Authors: Joanne Wadsworth

Warrior (34 page)

I frowned. Hold on–did he just say he would be joining with another woman?

I bit my tongue. That was good? I should leave it at that, right?

Jeez, what was wrong with me for questioning that choice?

“I’m sorry. We just met, and you’re right. Go find your, your–” Strangely, I struggled to get the words out and finally gave up. “Well, have yourself a nice long life, and all that.” I patted his chest roughly.

That was more like me.

The clock ticked and time slowed.

He didn’t move.

“Look at me.” He tipped up my chin, directly staring at me. “This would never work.”

“I understand. It’s been pretty awful meeting you too.” I tried to pull my mind from his but found I couldn’t, that I actually detested the thought of letting go.

Perhaps I’d try physically first. I leaned back, only to feel the pressure of his hand move around my waist to the small of my back, preventing me.

I moved to grip his arm. “Okay, you were going.”

This was going to be the world’s fastest breakup–no, non-breakup since we hadn’t even been together. “Let go of me so that can happen.”

Ultimately, the man was right. Neither of us needed the complication of the other in our life. I didn’t want a bonded relationship, not when I had high school to finish and university on my horizon.

Releasing me, he clipped his heels together and inclined his head. “Belle will remain another day, and even though she told me you two have a telepathic connection, you should take the opportunity to learn more about your growing skills while she’s here. Afterward, Carlisio will keep an eye on you, and Belle can return as necessary.”

My brow furrowed as a heavy pressure once again pulsed through my blood. “Sure.” And what was with this mounting strain again? At least when he’d been touching me, skin-to-skin, it had dispersed.

I inched closer, closing my fingers around his arm, the necessary and instant relief palpable. I did not understand this need, even as I tentatively spread my fingers wider. I blew out a breath, needing at least one answer. “Did Carlisio’s forethought not tell him all that would transpire today? Is this not how the skill works?”

“No, any visions he has are mere snapshots and not greatly identifiable. The future is fully changeable as my grandfather does not interfere in this way. One must have free choice.”

I nodded my head in acceptance. “Good.” I glanced at Belle. “I guess Carlisio thought it was right to send her?”

“Yes.” His gaze switched to her. “I will send Sorrell to retrieve you tomorrow.” Without warning, he took my hand from his arm and lifted my fingers to his lips, his turbulent gaze returning to mine. “Take peace in the fact that what is between us would never work. We simply don’t belong together.” His tone, deep and flawless, was filled with firm decision.

Then he released me and shimmered, his form becoming transparent as he disappeared from my sight.

I tumbled to the ground, sinking my fingers deep into the cold grass underneath me. The air tasted stale, as if in that very moment he’d taken whatever fresh scent was there and sucked it away with him.

“He’s gone?” Astonishment and a definite spasm of pained grief shook me. “It hurts.” Now that shouldn’t have happened.

Belle scooted in beside me, grasping my shoulder. “You wish him back?”

“No-ooo.” I shook my head, knowing at least that much. “Don’t get me wrong, but your prince made his choice, and I won’t even consider swaying his mind. He is far better back where he belongs, as are you.”

I had Silvie.

My mother, too.

In fact, men had never been a constant in my life, starting right from my defective father who I’d never known, and now Davio who couldn’t have left quicker if I’d been the one to push him away.

I mean, who needed men anyway?

I pulled my knees to my chest and hugged them tightly. Ultimately, Silvie and my mother were the only people in the world who mattered to me. They would be right by my side. Always by my side.

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Protector by Joanne Wadsworth

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