He was the first man to ever be willing to risk her father’s wrath, just to be with her. Matas had often claimed to want her, yes, and had even told her father they had been together, but Matas had never tried anything. Solo, though . . . he must really want her, because even though Jecis controlled his fate, he had pressed his lips against hers with such gentleness, as if she were precious, perhaps breakable, only to lift and study her expression before going back for another taste. A far more intense taste.
The memory alone caused her skin to prickle with longing, her insides to ache with need. Oh, how she ached.
Can’t think about Solo’s kisses right now. Any moment she would have to face her father. The fog would vanish and Jecis would look at the monitor inside his trailer and realize he was no longer inside the world between worlds, and he would emerge. She couldn’t be found enjoying her punishment or she and Solo would be given another.
“They can’t see us together like this,” she said, lifting her head and scooting away from him.
He dropped his arm, nodded. She frowned at him. His face was an emotionless mask, giving none of his thoughts away. And yet, he suddenly radiated a frigidness that far surpassed what wafted from the mountains.
A sigh left her as understanding crested. He’d taken her words and action as a rejection.
“Solo,” she said.
He pushed to his feet, miles of bronzed skin coming into view. If she was cold, he had to be closing in on frostbite. Standing, she unwound the blanket and thrust the material in his direction.
“Here,” she said.
“No.” He shook his head, adamant. “You keep it.”
She couldn’t hear his tone, but the vibration of his words packed a powerful punch. He must have been throwing each one like a baseball.
“Listen, you. I moved away from you because my father will erupt if he sees your hands on me, and I won’t allow another whipping.” After everything Solo had done for her, she wouldn’t be able to bear the guilt.
That failed to relax him. “Just so you know, I’m not afraid of him. But don’t worry. I understand. You and I can be friends in private, when you need my help, but we have to stay mere acquaintances in public. Right?”
Oh, that burned! “You need to get over yourself and stop the tantrum right now.”
His gaze narrowed on her.
“Let’s gather all the poker chips, all right?”
He blinked, a different reaction than she’d expected. “Poker chips? Do you mean we should put our cards on the table?”
“No, I don’t mean we should put our cards on the table! A new game cannot start until all the chips are off the table.” Why did he always question her about this stuff? “I’m trying to end your bad mood and start a good one, so help me out and listen.”
“Very well.” He pressed his lips together, as if to stop himself from . . . scowling? Laughing?
Whatever! “Here goes. I don’t know you outside of this messed-up situation, and I certainly don’t know how to handle whatever’s happening between us. After we’ve ditched the circus, and if you haven’t ditched me, and if you still want me, and if you don’t want someone else, ask me to work for you and my answer might be different.” Might be, but probably wouldn’t be. Not that she’d tell him that. “And I’m not embarrassed to be with you. Though I should be! You’re so foolish! I told you already, but I’ll tell you again. I won’t have you tortured simply because I like you. Why can’t you get that through your head?”
The blinking started up again, though his eyes were brightening. “You like me and hope to protect me.”
Finally! He understood. “Yes. I know staying away isn’t much, but it’s all I can do for you right now. Foolish man,” she muttered.
He looked so surprised, she knew not many people had dared to call him such an irreverent name, and that she had just proved how comfortable she’d become with him. Otherwise she wouldn’t have risked his increased ire when he clearly had no fear of her father.
Solo pondered her words for a moment, the light in those ocean blues still brightening, brightening. “If you aren’t careful, Miss Vika,” he said, “I won’t ever be able to let you go.”
She . . . had no idea how to respond. Keep her forever? Her silly mind