The Fortunates (Unfortunate #2) - Skyla Madi Page 0,42
manages to keep his head high. Always proud. Always straight-shouldered and powerful.
“So much for going unnoticed,” I murmur.
“Enjoy the bright morning sun.” He glances at me. “We’re not here for them.”
I stop, digging my heels into the ground. The soles of my shoes press into the mud. Kade stops and turns into me, shielding me from those watching. His black irises flicker over my face and glisten with concern. Panic seizes my chest as an uncomfortable heat creeps over my skin and climbs my neck.
“What’s the matter? Are you all right?”
I focus on his broad shoulders, shoulders that are sheathed in a white button up shirt and a crisp black two button jacket.
“I want to go back inside,” I whisper harshly.
He slides his hands against my hips and the feel of them traps me. I press my palms against his stomach and try to push away from him, but he doesn’t let me go. Why won’t he let me go?
“Please,” I beg, trying desperately to free myself from his grip.
Tears well in my eyes and lumps form in my throat. I don’t want to be here. I can’t be here. I have no right. I’m an imposter—a fake.
“Hey.” Kade cups my face, forcing our eyes to lock. “Relax.”
He runs his thumbs over my cheekbones, but it isn’t enough to calm my nerves.
My heart races, my ribs quaking in response. Cautiously, Kade moves his hands from my face. He shifts one to the back of my head and the other to the small of my back. I squeak as he pulls me in close, wrapping my body up in his long, thick arms. He cranes his neck and rests his cheek against mine. I sigh. The loud sounds of breakfast are muted by his jacket, by this force field he’s surrounded me with. I can’t move. My arms are squished between his chest and mine, but I feel safe. I close my eyes and breathe him in. The scent of soap and baked bread engulfs me and it finally calms the frantic beat of my heart.
“What is it?” he whispers into my ear. “Tell me what it is so I can make it better.”
I pause. Even as an Unfortunate I’ve never been this on edge. What has triggered it? Is it the fear of them discovering my plans? When they look at me, can they see my impending betrayal? Or is it the disapproval in their eyes? I wiggle my toes and they touch the inside of my shoes, sending another bolt of breathlessness through me. I struggle against Kade until my lungs threaten to burst. A sob slips from me and I drop my head against his shoulder.
“I think it’s the shoes.” I wiggle my toes again and panic bursts through my body. “They’re suffocating me.”
“I’ll fix it, okay? Just…no more crying.”
I sniffle and nod. No more crying.
Kade’s slow to release me, but when he does I keep my eyes on him. I don’t want to see anyone else. Gracefully, Kaden crouches low and lifts my dress above my ankle. People gasp at the sight of him bowed before me. It matters to them that he is a Fortunate on his knees in front of an ex-Unfortunate and it matters to them that he is a man on his knees in front of a woman. What they’re witnessing is abnormal. It’s abhorred.
“Kaden, you don’t have to—”
Sliding one soft palm underneath my calf and the other around my ankle, he slips off my shoes. My feet sink into the ground. There’s something awfully comforting about having the bare soles of my feet against the damp earth.
“Better?” he asks, carrying my shoes in his hand.
I nod, forcing steel into my spine as he leads me across the yard littered with Fortunates and Unfortunates alike. Children chase each other, their squeals meshing beautifully with the sounds of eager chatter and the gentle tinkling of cutlery. I peer at Kade, who glances at the children as they zip past us. He tenses at their proximity, his lips pursing with impatience.
“You don’t like children?” I wonder aloud and his throat bobs as he swallows.
“I’m working on it,” he simply says with a frown before peering down at me. “I’m sure I’d like our children when the time comes.”