Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,285

her hair over her shoulder and biting her lip. The flirtatious body language looked practiced.

“Well, hello there. Yes. I think a drink would be very nice,” he replied before leaving us to go to Jade’s side. They left without saying anything else to us, and the moment Jade’s white dress disappeared around the corner, Cyler wrapped me in a big hug, squeezing tightly before grabbing my wrist and pulling me in the opposite direction.

"That was close," I whispered the further away from the kitchens we got. I was shaken by the news from Kaye’s sister as well as from seeing Cavil. But I was also proud of myself. I didn't crumble under pressure, nor did I have that aching feeling in my chest. I did, however, feel a little out of control. We didn't have a plan at the end of this week, Cavil would return to Ethros, and our window of opportunity would diminish. If I wanted to save Maverick and Cyler, it would have to be here in Galla. We had no way to get them out of Ethros. It was like one giant, heavily-guarded island.

"Did you get the message delivered?" Cyler asked in a low voice while scanning the crowds. More Companions had arrived, and people were starting to drink in the corner. I saw Maverick leaning against the wall with Blythe standing beside him. I wanted to run to him, give him a grateful hug and whisper in his ear how much I loved him and how thankful I was that he didn't die this morning, but I kept my feet firmly planted, knowing that it was smarter for me to stay here.

I thought of what to say to Cyler. We had been clinging to a hopeless plan, and now we had nothing. But I didn't want to ruin what could possibly be one of my last nights with him for a while, so I decided to wait to tell him. "Yes," I replied.

Cyler nodded his head and continued to look around the room more. In the corner, musicians set up and began playing softly for the Elite guests. A couple of Elite men and women pulled Companions aside to dance. Cyler looked at me mischievously before grabbing my own hand and leading me towards the music.

He spun me around one time before pulling me close. I placed my hands on his chest and peered up at the man that started this entire journey. Cyler Black saw me like no one else ever had before. Maybe it wasn't love at first sight. Maybe when he brought me to Dormas, he wanted to test Josiah, but I'd always felt an electric connection with my fearless leader. Nevertheless, I was still hurt by his letter. I had questions and grievances to iron out with him.

"What are you thinking about?" he murmured into my ear while swaying softly. The music had a steady beat, and the guitars strummed dark chords. Others danced around us, but in my mind, it was only Cyler and me.

“We haven’t had time to discuss that letter, Cy,” I said. There was a sense of sadness in my tone that seemed unexpected. I was still hurt by his ability to let go, to leave, knowing there was a chance he’d never see me again and not let me know. Maybe it was foolish to focus on this tonight. But I needed to know it was as hard for him as it was for me.

“I was hoping you’d let me kiss you enough that you’d forget,” Cyler replied with a half chuckle. If we weren’t in Cavil’s tower, maybe I’d let him kiss me, love me until I couldn’t remember the betrayal, but we weren’t. And if I weren’t going to see him again for a while, then I’d need some closure to hold me over until I saw him again—if I ever saw him again.

“Did you miss me?” I asked in a small voice. “Is it wrong that I want to know if you were as devastated as I was? Is it wrong that I wanted you to suffer as I did? I didn’t handle being away from you well, Cy. You’re a part of me.”

I felt lips on my temple, and I shivered at how reverent it felt. “I should have never removed your choice, Babe. I was torn up about Jules. I was frantically trying to save the best thing in my life.” His hand drifted lower on my back. We weren’t really