River wiggled in the sheets, trying to find a position that would ease the pounding in her head. It was just like Tertia to bang around in her office, uncaring that her daughter was trying to sleep upstairs. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think her mother had forgotten she was here entirely.
River’s gaze slid to her makeup chair, where Nikhail’s suit jacket rested over the back. She’d placed it there last night after sniffing it for an ungodly amount of time, letting his unique aroma permeate her senses. She probably should’ve been ashamed of the way her inner fae had craved his fragrance, but she couldn’t find it in her to care.
After changing out of her dress, she’d soaked in a hot bubble bath. There, she’d replayed every word, touch, and moment she and Nikhail had shared. When River finally pulled herself out of the soothing water, she had reached two conclusions.
The first was that Nikhail was a damn good kisser. She’d suspected as much, considering his reputation, but fantasizing about making out with her brother’s best friend was one thing, and actually going through with it was another.
River had never been kissed like that. Like she’d mattered more than anything else in the world. The kiss had been a claiming, but she’d also felt cherished. Treasured, even.
She’d never forget that embrace for the rest of her life.
Which brought her to the second, much more painful conclusion. Last night might’ve been life-changing, but they still needed to talk. Clearly, she’d lost her mind on the way to the solarium. That was the only explanation for why she hadn’tleft Nikhail when he gave her the necklace, hadn’t made sure he knew they couldn’t be together because she was dangerous.
She had to tell him about the curse, she decided as the water in her bubble bath cooled. She had to make him understand that even though she cared immensely for him, he needed to get out now. Obviously, denying her attraction to him would be impossible at this point, but she still had to warn him about her.
The next time they talked, she’d ask to meet him in person. Then she’d tell him. This wasn’t the kind of conversation one had over text or a phone call. It had to be face-to-face. It would probably be the last time they’d be alone because River was certain that once she explained to him what she’d done, he would see her as everyone else did.
A storm, always on the brink of exploding, a person to keep an eye on. Nothing more.
He would leave her alone, and that was…
Fine.
Well.
Maybe it wasn’t fine, but she would have to be okay with it.
At least she had their kiss. It was a memory she would forever cherish. At the end of the day, when it was all said and done, it would be all she had left. She was certain of it.
River stoodon the banks of Isolation Lake, the blue glassy surface unmoving on this clear, windless day. The temperature was just above freezing, and the snow from the night before had melted.
The body of water sat at the northern edge of theWaterborns’ estate. Accessible only by the four-wheeler River had driven to get here, it was completely private.
A lush forest surrounded the lake, deciduous and coniferous trees growing side by side to create a thick sanctuary. A deer stood not far from River, lapping at the water. Birds flew overhead, filling the silence with their sonnets. Squirrels chittered.
As the name suggested, Isolation Lake was quiet and peaceful. Free from the tension that seemed to constantly permeate the walls of Waterborn House. Even the air was light.
River drew in a deep breath, allowing serenity to seep into her being as she extended her hands on either side of her. Opening her palms so they faced the lake, she reached within herself to the dam that kept her magic at bay. Her magic was eagerly waiting for her, giddy even, as she let her will seep into it.
Her skin tingled, and her lungs expanded as water streamed from her hands. A gift to the land. An offering.
For most fae, this would be enough. They’d get the edge off and go about their days. But this wouldn’t be enough to calm River’s curse. Not today.
When she woke up after lunch, her headache had been a dull throb. Tertia had still been yelling, which hadn’t come as a surprise.
After River had taken care of her personal needs, she’d checked her phone. There had been an email with her upcoming schedule for the hospital—she was due to return to work in a few days—along with an apology from Ryker for not saying goodbye the night before. She replied, letting him know it was all right. She didn’t blame him or Nikhail for having to leave.
The air fae had messaged her twice, and River had read the messages so many times, she’d committed them to memory.
Nikhail
Morning, little storm. I wish I were there in person to ask how you slept, but it looks like I won’t be able to see you right away. The timing is shit, but there’s been a situation, and I’ve received a new set of orders. I’m not sure how often I’ll be able to check my phone, but I’ll do my best to message you as much as I can.
I’ll miss you so much.
So much for best-laid plans. River’s thumb had hovered over the keys, and she’d wondered if she should just text Nikhail all the reasons why she was dangerous and they could never work. Would that be better?
She’d even typed up the message, but before she could muster up the courage to send it, she deleted the whole thing. Was it ridiculous to want to see Nikhail in person one final time? To swim in his amber gaze once more?