Ra'Sa stands, and the girls stop playing. "How dare you say that?"
I scramble to get up to my feet. "Ra'Sa," I whisper, grabbing at his arm only to find it completely tense.
"You use the same cruel words that the scum in the yards use to describe your own daughter?"
My throat closes.
Griselda sneers. "I merely speak the truth."
Ra'Sa lets out a bitter laugh, and the girls watch, confused and slightly nervous. Coco leaves my side to corral them.
"Truth, you say. I think the truth is that your daughter has done everything she could for you to be safe. Does that mean nothing, you heartless woman?” Ra’Sa grits out.
Griselda's eyes go wide for the shortest moment before her face hardens over.
"You won't come in my house and lecture me?—“
"When it involves Melisa, I will."
I suck in a stuttering breath. My fingers dig into his arm, and his other hand comes up to brush over my fingers.
Are you well,Ruh’flor?
I look up at him, eyes wide, and nod.
His attention remains fixed on my mother.
"You will never speak to Melisa like that again. If either Wren or Thea tell me that you've said something against her, then you will regret it. Hurt the girls, and I will leave you in the middle of the woods with the wolves. Do you understand?”
I swallow hard.
Griselda's sneering expression melts away into fear.
“Say you understand,” Ra’sa repeats.
Slowly, Griselda opens her mouth. First, she huffs, but then she says, “Fine—I understand.”
Ra'Sa's expression changes in an instant.
"Perfect. If that's all settled, there's no reason to miss a celebration. I brought more gifts!"
The girls are grinning and laughing in a second when Ra'Sa pulls out a few more stones and starts to sing. I should be more worried that the others outside would hear, but Ra'Sa tends to comfort all my worries.
I let myself listen as a happy tune pours out of him. I’d forgotten that he could sing so well—his voice is rich and layered as it hits the gems the girls hold in their hands. We continue to laugh, and then we start to dance.
When I do, I feel Ra'Sa's eyes on me. Heat sparks. I realize I want him.
His softness, his joy.
His kindness.
After Wren and Thea fall asleep in his arms, and he puts them to bed, we leave.
But, instead parting ways, I take him by the hand and sneak him back to the cabin. The fire grows hotter.
I want to show him how much pleasure he can feel. I want to fall apart for him again.
And again.