“Maybe a job? I can pull some weight here. You know, make money and help pay rent.” His expression became sterner as I spoke, and so did my words. Why would that be any kind of a problem? I could sense the oncoming resistance and braced for impact.
“You don’t have to help with living expenses. I’d be happy to support you picking up whatever hobby you’d like. I can provide books, art supplies, instruments. You name it and it’s yours.”
All hobbies that would keep me home. “Graysen, I want to get out of the house and engage with the rest of the world.”
His eyes fixated on his meal again to avoid my glare. “Let’s talk about it tomorrow.”
“Why are you acting so damn weird today?!” I slammed my hand onto the marble table. This was ridiculous. He was being ridiculous. Thisshouldbe a simple conversation.
His pupils warmed in color. “I’m not acting weird.”
“Oh, really?” I scoffed. “Nothing weird about secret rooms and putting a friend under house arrest?”
“No, it’s not like that.” His head fell to his chest as he rubbed his temples.
“I can move in with Mykie,” I threatened, immediately realizing how empty my words had been. Not only did I want to stay with this strange, frustrating man, but I was confident Mykie was not in any state to take on a roommate. Plus, she was in his back pocket, and would second his opinions without a doubt.
I waited, watching him, ready for more anger. It never arrived. “What if I got you a job at the pub?” he asked softly, his voice muffled as he hid behind his own hands.
Although I didn’t like that it was still on his terms, the pub presented several benefits. I was semi-comfortable with the environment. It was one of the few locations I had visited. I would have connections who understood my unique situation. And it would allow me to work close to the house. I hadn’t considered it an option before, but now that it was in my head, I wasn’t sure I would find a better alternative.
“That’ll work.” I settled back into my chair, stretching out my white knuckles.
“Okay. Great. I’ll talk to Theo tomorrow when I go in.” He didn’t seem completely pleased.
Our plates were both still half full with food, and neither of us had lifted a utensil in several minutes. “Thank you fordinner,” I mumbled. It was the first time I hadn’t finished a meal since I got here, but my stomach felt queasy.
“You aren’t going to eat anymore?” His eyes creased sadly, and his lips pulled into a tight line.
“No, I’m full.” What a waste of a beautiful meal.
I stared out the window to the backyard while Graysen disappeared to wash dishes. He was consistently kind, considerate, and patient. Healsohad clear control issues that extended to me. I could be alright with a little secrecy; he didn’t owe me anything. As much as I hated it, I wasn’t entitled to snooping through his rooms or hearing about his life trauma. But we would need to work on boundaries over him attempting to regulate my behavior. If he wasn’t going to justify his strange requests, he would have to tolerate what I did with my time.
I felt a hand wrap around the curve of my waist from behind. “I’m sorry.” His voice was a gravely thrum.
I looked over my shoulder, and his regretful, cool eyes gazed into mine. “Thank you for the apology.” The tenderness of his hand softened my strained posture, accompanied by a cathartic exhale. I really didn’t want to be fighting. “I know I owe you for saving my life, but I can’t let you control it.”
His brows furrowed. “You don’t owe me a single thing, Faeryn. I just want to help you. That shouldn’t be at the expense of your autonomy.”
Relieved to have some closure for the time being, I turned and wrapped my arms around his neck. It was our first intentional hug for the sake of hugging, and I needed it. I needed us to stay close and heal together. As if he were just as desperate, two strong arms folded around my back with fingers gripping into my sides. His shoulders collapsed over me. It generated a warmth in my own chest that felt so familiar and yet unfamiliarat the same time. I felt it best left nameless, but I recognized the significance.
“I was going to call it an early night,” he whispered into my hair. “Would you accept me taking the couch this time?”
“Absolutely not.” I cracked a smile at his tortured chivalry.
“You know where to find me if you change your mind.” He stepped back and pointed to the armchair. “I pulled out some books for you after dinner. To give you some entertainment when you’re at home.”
“What kinds of books?”
“Mostly fairytales and legends.” He paused, and a small smile reemerged on his face. “You seem to enjoy the stories I tell. I figured that fantasy and mythology books would be ideal. I apologize if they lean juvenile.”
“That’s perfect. Thank you.” I felt a warm, fuzzy little feeling bloom in my core.
“Goodnight, my dear.” He stood there a moment, nodded awkwardly, and exited the room.
It took a while for me to stop pacing, my thoughts whirling and adrenaline pumping from the whiplash of the day. By the time I decided to settle into the couch, it was too late to realize Graysen had forgotten to light a fire for the night.Oh well. I didn’t want to add waking him up to the list of unfortunate interactions we had today. Although the wind was howling outside and the cold was setting in now that I was still, I figured I could tough things out.
With a blanket wrapped around me, I opened the book with the prettiest picture on the front cover. “Tales of Trebianna.” A quick skim revealed that it was heavily illustrated, with beautiful black and white charcoal art on every page.
