When She's Wary (Risdaverse, #11)

by Ruby Dixon

I sniff it, though. The scent is nice. Sweet and lightly floral. It’s pink, a girly, childish color. I shouldn’t like it, I tell myself even as I pick the candle up and sniff it again, pleased.

It’s my turn to pick up the conversation again, but my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. I can’t think of anything to say to him. I want to keep this easy, casual conversation flowing and yet I don’t know how. Please, please be my friend. Please be someone that’s there for me.

“This for me?” He gestures at the tray between us and I nod like an idiot. Like I don’t set a tray out with a snack every time, just in case he’s hungry after working all day. If he’s hungry, he might leave quicker, and for some reason, I’m loath for him to leave early.

“Every keffing day I wake up and I’m thrilled to be on this planet, because it means I get to see you again.

“Because no matter what happened, no matter how angry or violent he was towards others, I knew I was safe with him. That he’d never harm a hair on my head. He’s my safe place.”

“Okay, if you’re asking, then I need you to know that if you asked me to stay, I’d stay forever.”