Chapter 87
I don’t agree with that. Just like I don’t agree with most things my father believes.
The festivals meant a lot to my mother, our town, our pack. To me. I loved running around with my mother and greeting everyone – just as I do now with Kane.
I clear my throat, realizing just how tightly I’m holding Kane’s hand. I instantly lighten my touch.
“What’s next?” I ask him, trying to move on. And he lets me.
Kane directs me to the next row of booths that are dedicated to various games. We make sure to greet everyone running the booths, and even stop to play some of the games. I learn that Kane has excellent aim as he easily knocks down a row of bottles.
When the booth attendant hands us a stuffed animal prize, I turn to a little girl passing by and hand it to her. This earns me a smile from her and her father, and even the crowd seems touched by my gesture.
Kane then wraps his arm around my waist, giving me an approving nod as we carry on. We go to stand by the merry-go-round next, watching people twirl by as they enjoy the ride.
As I watch the carousel horses go by, I can’t help but laugh.
“What?” Kane asks, glancing at me.
“I was just picturing you up on the ride,” I admit with another laugh. “Riding one of those horses.”
The idea of his large form trying to fit on one of the horses is a little too entertaining, causing me to giggle again. A smile even cracks on Kane’s lips as he studies me. Eventually, I get a hold of my laughter as we move on.
Kane’s hand is back in mine as we continue our rounds, and it occurs to me how we’ve been touching almost this entire time. It makes my skin begin to prickle but then I recall his comment from our recent night of training – it’s not like this is sexual or anything. I don’t need to be silly.
But still, today hasn’t been completely awful. In fact, I’ve somewhat enjoyed myself as I’ve been able to see just how much the town admires and respects Kane. Plus, Kane and I have effortlessly been making our rounds, and haven’t really bickered.
Maybe we’re getting good at this. It doesn’t feel like so much of an act, which is nice. Even if we’re just doing our duty.
“Should we grab a drink?” Kane asks as we finish with the games. It’s evening now and the sun has finally gone down.
“That sounds good,” I reply, noting how thirsty I am. We then make our way to the area reserved for food and drinks where Kane gets us some complimentary wine,
As we take our first sip, Kane’s arm stays on my waist.
“That’s good,” I compliment as I pull the wine away from my lips.
Kane nods. “We have a vineyard in the area,” he tells me. “One of my father’s oldest friends owns it.”
“Oh, wow. That’s -”
I begin, interested in this new information I’ve gained about Kane. However, I’m interrupted as someone else walks up to us. Someone not as pleasant as the other townsfolk I’ve met today.
1/2
+25 Bonus
“Good evening, Kane,” Bianca states, purposely leaving out my name. She takes in the way his arm is on my waist, pursing her lips in annoyance.
“Evening,” Kane says with a curt nod.
“Well, don’t you two put on a good show,” Bianca says, emphasizing the word as if to remind me. Or maybe eveni remind herself.
“And Evelyn,” she says, finally looking at me. “Your dress is so
Bianca appears as if she’s going to compliment me, taking me aback. However, as she gestures warmly to me, her own wine glass teeters before it spills. Suddenly, her wine is splashing all over the front of my dress.
“Oh shoot!” Bianca tries fakely as I back away, leaving Kane’s arm. Red liquid now stains the front of my dress.
“Look what I’ve done,” Bianca continues, feeling more sorry for herself. “I’m so sorry, Evelyn. I didn’t mean to.”
“Bianca – “Kane begins.
“That’s…okay,” I cut in, keeping myself calm as my dress sticks to my body. I can’t make a scene nor do I plan to. That’s what Bianca wants and I don’t want to jeopardize what Kane and I have accomplished tonight.
Bianca seems displeased by my lack of reaction. “Maybe you should leave. Go home and get out of that wine stained dress,” she tries. “I’d be happy to keep Kane company.”
I’m sure she would be. I want to narrow my gaze at her, dismiss her. And perhaps I’m at risk of saying something unkind, but someone thankfully swoops in to save me.
T
