Smoked - Mari Mancusi Page 0,53

wouldn’t be turned away. Her heart pounded in her chest. Kiss me, she wanted to beg. Just for once, let go of whatever is holding you back and kiss me like you mean it.

But instead of stepping toward her, instead of grabbing her face in his hands and pressing his lips against hers—he stepped away. Retreating, putting distance between them. Yet not before she caught a shadow of guilt cross his otherwise beautiful face.

Desperate, she reached out with her gift—to try to glean what he was thinking. She knew it was beyond rude to jack into people’s thoughts without permission. But at the moment, she couldn’t help herself. She swallowed hard, straining to hear.

I can’t, he was thinking. I made a promise to Trinity…

Scarlet’s shoulders stiffened. Her mind darkened. She squeezed her hands into fists as she stared at him with fury. Was he really still holding on to that fantasy after all this time?

Trinity has Connor, she wanted to scream. She doesn’t get to have you both.

But what good would it do? You could rationalize till the dragons came home, but you couldn’t change someone’s heart. No matter what she did, no matter how “sweet” she was, she could never be Trinity Foxx, Caleb’s manic pixie dream girl.

He liked Scarlet. That was obvious. But he loved Trinity. And if she allowed herself to fall for him, she would end up falling alone.

Oh God, what if she already had?

She forced herself to turn around, trying to hold back the tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. She tried to tell herself this was for the best. She knew for certain now, which meant no more wondering how he felt—no more hoping he was pining for her as much as she was pining for him. She knew where he stood now. And that meant she could move on.

“We need to go,” she ground out. “It’ll be morning soon, and we can’t be flying in the daytime.”

She tried desperately to keep the hurt from her voice, but from the look on his face, she could tell he heard it anyway. He opened his mouth to speak, but she waved him off.

“Don’t,” she said. “Just don’t.”

He closed his mouth, his face reflecting his guilt…and pity. Anger rose within her. How dare he feel sorry for her? When he was the one who made her feel this way to begin with?

Are you okay?

She whirled around. Zoe was peering at her with worried eyes. Scarlet forced a smile to her lips, then reached over to scratch the dragon under the chin.

I’m fine, she assured her. I’m excited actually. Tomorrow you’re going to get to see your mother.

Zoe’s eyes widened into saucers. My mother? she repeated in amazement. You mean Emberlyn? I’m really going to get to see Emberlyn?

Scarlet couldn’t help a small smile as the dragon broke into an excited jig—so fast her feet barely made contact with the ground. Yes, she assured the dragon. You’re really going to see her at last.

Oh, Scarlet-mom. Thank you, Zoe gushed, stopping her dance to give Scarlet a huge slurp on the face. Thank you so much!

Don’t thank me, Scarlet corrected, glancing over at Caleb, who had busied himself with adjusting Zavier’s saddle. It was Caleb’s idea.

And, she thought but didn’t say to the dragon, I really hope it’s a good one.

Chapter Twenty

Wake up, wake up!

Zavier groaned, rolling over and putting a paw over his eyes. The shack was still dark, and only the faintest pink on the horizon glowed from the outline of the doorway. His sister was silhouetted in that light, bouncing up and down excitedly.

Go back to sleep, Zoe, he grunted.

I can’t! she cried. I couldn’t sleep all night. I don’t know how you could. Today’s the day, you know!

He grunted. How could I forget, with you reminding me every five seconds?

She snorted, little puffs of smoke punching from her nostrils. Then she grinned. Oh come on! she cajoled. You know you’re just as excited as I am.

He gave up, rolling over and playfully shoving her backward. She teetered for a moment, then regained her balance, leaping on top of him and wrestling him to the ground. He laughed, only half fighting back.

Maybe I am a little curious, he admitted. Then he sobered. But, Zoe, I don’t want you to get your hopes up. We don’t know how she’s going to react to seeing us again.

Zoe stopped her bouncing, giving him an offended look. She’s our mother, Zavier. How could she not be as