“Good.”
A shuffling sound came from behind me, and when I turned around, I saw Xander unclasping his cloak. I watched with narrowed eyes as he took it off with a flourish, spreading it on the grassy floor.
“Come on,” he said, gesturing to the cloak. “Take a seat.”
I glared at him, shaking my head. “I’m not sure I trust you.”
“Of course, you don’t. After all, I have violent tendencies.” He paused, tapping his chin before turning his golden eyes to me. “Oh wait. That’s not me.You’rethe one who stabbedme.”
“You deserved it.”
He huffed, running his hand through his hair. “Gods.” Plopping down on the cloak, Xander kept my gaze. “Everything has to be a fight with you, doesn’t it? This isn’t a trap, Aileana. I just don’t want to sit on the damp grass. Join me, or don’t. It’s up to you.”
After that, he looked away. Sighing, I studied him. He looked so comfortable and I was still so worn out from the day before…
“Fine,” I said. “I’ll even try to be pleasant company, just for you.”
He smiled, and something fluttered within me. Placing my shoes carefully beside the fabric, I unclasped my own cloak before removing my daggers and putting them in a small pile beside me.
Xander glanced at them, smirking as I kept them within reach. He asked, “Do you think you’ll be needing those?”
“You can never be too prepared,” I replied sweetly as I spread out my stocking-clad feet. The early morning sun held traces of warmth despite the season, and the sky was clear. I hoped it would be a warm day.
A few moments passed in silence before Xander moved. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as he pulled something red out of his pocket. The spherical object was engulfed by his hands, and I leaned in, curiosity overtaking my desire to keep some distance between us.
Xander turned, winking before he threw the mysterious object at me. “Catch.”
It sailed through the air, and my hands jutted out. Gasping, I grabbed the ball right before it landed in the rushing water. It was heavy, and it smelled like a strong syrup. The crimson skin was hard, but it gave as I pressed my thumb into it.
“What is this?” I sniffed the mysterious fruit and the syrupy smell became even stronger. I had never smelled anything like this, and it was enticing.
Xander reached into his pocket, withdrawing another sphere with a flourish. It looked comically small in his hand.
“They’re rain berries,” he said, biting into the fruit. He chewed and swallowed. “They bloom at night in this area. I foraged them last night while you were sleeping.”
I turned my rain berry over in my hand as I watched him warily. The sickly sweet smell intensified as crimson liquid dribbled down his chin. Xander’s tongue shot out, catching a small black seed that was threatening to escape. After devouring his rain berry in four bites, Xander gestured to me.
His golden eyes twinkled in the early morning light as he said, “Are you just going to watch me eat, Sunshine, or are you going to try it?”
Blood rushed to my face as I realized I had been staring at him. Fighting the urge to hide my face in my hands, I brought the fruit to my mouth.
Here goes nothing.
Watching Xander carefully, I opened my mouth and took a bite of the rain berry. Instantly, notes of sweetness exploded in my mouth. The pulp dripped down my throat, the sweet syrup carrying deep notes of warm spices as the flesh of the fruit nourished me.
“Oh my goddess,” I exclaimed after I devoured the entire berry. “I’ve never tasted anything so amazing.”
Xander chuckled, reaching into the river with cupped hands. “I’m glad it made you happy.”
Bringing some water to his lips, Xander quenched his thirst before splashing the water over his face. He repeated the motion three times, soaking his entire face and hair. I couldn’t help but notice how the water droplets ran down his pale skin.
Xander’s golden eyes gleamed in the morning sun as he shook his head like a dog, sending water flying. The water droplets sprayed me, and I shrieked as they landed on me. He smirked. “What’s wrong, Sunshine? Don’t you like the water?”
I hummed a response, but I wasn’t really paying attention. He had given me an idea. My mouth tilted up, and I nibbled on my bottom lip. Before I could question whether or not this was a wise course of action, I leaned over. My hands landed on Xander’s shoulders, and I pushed with all my might.
A loud shout escaped him as he tumbled headfirst into the water. Within moments, his entire body disappeared underwater. I held my breath, but he quickly bobbed back up.
“What. The. Hell?” he growled.