“How bad was it?” I breathed, gently tracing the purple smudge. His brows were furrowed when I glanced up at his eyes. Emerald had nearly swallowed the bronze whole. “None of your business.” My lips twitched. “Of course.” I leaned in, my mouth skimming the bruise, and whispered, “But whether we like it or not, you are my business, and I asked you a question.” His fingers stole my chin, his glower so severe, I half feared he’d shove me away and storm out into the gardens. But it softened the longer he looked down at me, and disappeared entirely when he murmured, “Enough to make me miss the
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