to reach her line of sight. “I may be ignorant to the specifics…but I assume these things are related, yes?”
Leila nodded.
“Then there’s nothing left to be said. I took a life to protect my own. How could I fault you for doing the same?”
“You could fault me if you please. It’s human nature to revile.”
“You fear I’d judge you?” Tobias leaned forward. “Look at me.”
“It’s all right.”
“Leila, look at me, please.”
Leila complied, though her expression was drawn, as if she couldn’t bear it.
“In the holding cell, before the fight…you said I’d choose the darkness.” He took her hand. “You were right. I’m choosing darkness.”
Leila went rigid. “I told you…you should take time to think.”
“I’ve thought enough. Now it’s your turn.” He threaded his fingers through hers. “What’s your choice?”
Leila said nothing, and Tobias’s mouth went dry. Why is she quiet? She pulled her hand from his—fuck, I’ve ruined everything—only to drag her fingers along his palm, drawing small, fluid circles across his skin. Her fingertips slid up to his wrist, his forearm, and her soft touch sent his throat tight, his heart racing.
“Tobias, you limp cock, hurry the fuck up!”
Leila yanked her hand away, and Tobias cringed. Flynn, I hate you so much. “I should go.”
He stood from his seat, then hesitated. Leila was so close, was looking him right in the eye, and the pull of her gaze reignited his heartbeat—
“Artist!” Flynn cried.
“I’m coming, you stupid shit!” Tobias looked back at Leila, his cheeks burning. “Apologies.”
He trudged across the tent, mentally berating himself before stopping short. “Leila?” He turned toward her. “Will you be joining us?”
“I wasn’t going to...”
His shoulders sank.
“But I can,” she quickly added. “Make my rounds, I mean.”
“Well, if during your rounds, you somehow found yourself in my company…it would make the evening worthwhile.”
With a nod, Tobias ducked out of the tent and barreled straight into a wall of anxiety. He raked his hands through his hair, dissecting their tainted interaction; it didn’t matter that she had looked at him in that inviting way or that she had affirmed her feelings for him in any manner at all.
She didn’t answer.
Tobias reached the fire pit, where the remaining men sat in a crowded circle, their eyes glazed over with inebriation. Flynn looked over his shoulder and threw his arms into the air. “There he is! Our glorious champion!”
Tobias smacked Flynn across the back of his head and plopped down beside him.
“Bloody hell, what was that for?”
“I have my reasons,” Tobias grumbled.
Playing cards were strewn across the floor. Raphael, Orion, and Flynn were lost in their game of riddles, and Tobias tried to partake, to laugh when Flynn lost and laugh harder when he tossed a card into the fire, but each action felt forced, his head far from the celebration.
“Where in God’s name are Zander and Enzo?” Flynn craned his neck, staring at the tents. “I should go fetch them—”
Tobias grabbed his wrist. “Don’t.”
Flynn froze, perplexed, while Tobias racked his brain for an excuse. “They’re ill. Sick as dogs, really. Too much wine, spewing their guts like mad. I’d steer clear of their tent if I were you. The sight of it—it’s ghastly, not to mention the smell—”
“Good God, enough.” Flynn yanked his wrist free. “I’m feeling sick just hearing it.”
Flynn returned to the game, a relief that was fleeting. Leila tromped back into Tobias’s mind, filling his thoughts with her face, her name.
“Leila!” Flynn said.
Tobias spun around. Leila stood behind him, her cloak fastened at her neck, her hand wrapped tightly around Pippa’s. Lucky Pippa.
Leila smirked. “I see you’ve finally learned my name.”
“Of course! I’m a gentleman, after all.” He nodded at the fire pit. “Join us.”
Yes. Join us. Please, for the love of God.
Leila wavered, then leaned close to Pippa, whispering into her ear before shooing her off. Pulling her satchel from her shoulder, she headed for the group.
“Healer girl, sit next to me!”
“Fuck you, Neil,” she spat.
Laughter spilled from the circle. Flynn gestured toward the others, most of whom sat shoulder to shoulder. “We’re a bit crammed, but you’re small. No doubt you can squeeze in somewhere.”
Somewhere? No, somewhere wasn’t sufficient. “Well, go on then, move over.” Tobias slugged Flynn in the arm. “Make room for her.”
Pouting, Flynn wriggled closer to Orion until the tiniest space was available. Leila unfastened her cloak, dropping it into a pile with her satchel, and when she took her seat at Tobias’s side, he could’ve sworn the air felt thinner.
“Hope you don’t mind the cozy accommodations,” Flynn said.