The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

“Shouldn’t have anything to do with me seeing
Atlantia.” I sat up, meeting his gaze. “It shouldn’t interfere
with us carrying through with our plans, or with us at all. I
absolutely refuse to allow this group of people to put me in
a different sort of cage. I’m not going to stop living when I
just started to do so.”
Casteel’s eyes were as warm as the summer sun as he
lifted a hand to my cheek. “You never cease to amaze me.”
“I’m not sure what I said that is so amazing.”
His lips curved up. The dimple appeared. “Your
determination and will to live, to enjoy life no matter what is
happening or how confusing things are, is one of the many
things I find amazing about you. Most wouldn’t be able to
handle everything you have.”
“There are moments when I’m not sure I can,” I
admitted.
“But you do.” He slid his thumb over my lower lip. “And
you will. No matter what.”
His faith in me touched a small, insecure spot deep
inside me that I wasn’t sure I knew existed until that
moment. A part of me that worried I asked too many
questions, understood too little of this world, and that I was
only stumbling from one shock to the next. But he was right.
I was still standing. I was still dealing. I was strong.
I started to lean in to kiss him, but a knock on the door
stopped me.
Casteel let out a low growl. “I don’t normally like to be
interrupted, but especially when you’re about to kiss me.”
Dipping my head, I kissed him quickly before hopping
out of his lap. He rose, shooting me a sultry look that
scalded my skin as he went to the door. Hoping I didn’t look
as flushed as I felt, I turned to see Delano standing there.
The smile tugging at my lips froze the moment I connected
with his emotions.
All I could taste was bitter, heavy cream. Sorrow and
concern. I started toward the door. “What happened?” I