Chapter 179: Husband to Wife

ETAN

Etan waited until Falek and Borsche had both melted into the trees around them. 

"Ayleth." He took the final step to pull her into his chest, but she stepped back, shaking her head and his hope died.

"Don't Etan. I can't… touch you yet. I need answers."

Heartbroken, he stopped reaching for her, but didn't move back. They were toe-to-toe and he loomed over her. Did he imagine he could feel the heat rising from her, or was it only his own fevered skin, yearning for her? 

"Ask me. I'll tell you everything," he repeated.

"Then don't make me ask," she said, suddenly brittle. "Just tell me. Tell me everything that happened. Everything that was said. And why you decided as you did without even speaking to me about it!" Her eyes were suddenly red, shining. She folded her arms, which pressed her breasts higher, even in the leathers.