she pulls a stem of forget-me-nots from the soaked fabric. Paedyn Azer’s smile is dangerous as she reaches up to tuck the flowers behind my ear. “So you don’t forget who I am,” she whispers against my lips. “And what am I?” I trace my thumb along her bottom lip. “A fool. A cocky bastard?” Her voice is steady. “You are mine, Malakai.” Water drips from my lashes, some from her nose. “I always have been,” I murmur.

