Forbidden Flames

Chapter Forty One

"Good night," I said to Cassian as Colette and I left his room.

Now, it was just the two of us walking down the hallway. "Damon told me Alaric's mother is still spreading lies about you. How are you feeling?" she quietly asked, her concern evident. I sighed, feeling the weight of the question.

Since being here, I had stayed out of gossip and hidden behind Cassian. I didn't want to know what was being said about me.

"I choose not to care," I smiled weakly, though the words felt hollow.

"And your mother?" she asked this time, causing me to frown.

"I—I haven't gone to talk to her yet," I nervously laughed, trying to brush off the unease that settled over me. "It's complicated."

Colette nodded sympathetically. "Whatever you choose to do, I stand beside you. But these lies must stop! That woman has gone far enough to say you had an affair."

I gasped, looking at Colette. I guess Alaric was right... his mother wasn't going to let me off easy. As we reached my bedroom, August stood beside the door as if he had been waiting for hours.

Colette turned her nose up as we stood in front of him. "Cousin," he spoke first, as she rolled her eyes.

"You ruin my wedding, then take my best friend away from marrying a very swell man," she scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Colette, my choice, remember," I had to remind her as she visibly seethed at August.

"Whatever. Do you need me to remove him?" she asked, glancing at August with clear animosity.

"No, go be with your husband. Good night," I replied, gently pushing her towards her room.

She hesitated, shooting one last glare at August before finally walking away. As she disappeared down the hallway, I turned my attention to August, who looked both weary and determined.

"What are you doing here, August?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"I needed to see you," he said quietly. "To talk."

I sighed, unlocking my door and pushing it open. "Come in, then."

He followed me inside, closing the door softly behind him. The room was dimly lit, casting shadows that danced across the walls. I turned to face him, my heart pounding with a mix of anger and anticipation.

"So, what is it?" I demanded.

August took a deep breath, his eyes meeting mine. "I was wrong yesterday and want to apologize."

I raised my eyebrow, not expecting this so soon. Roland must have talked some sense into him. "And why are you sorry?" I asked, walking away to undress for bed.

August followed behind as I went to my curtain. He stood on the opposite end to give me privacy as I struggled to unlock my corset.

"Because I didn't realize your desire to yield a sword. I realize that my life is dangerous and spontaneous, but I also want you in it. Yesterday, I just didn't want to see you get hurt," he expressed as I nodded.

"But I won't get hurt. Roland was only doing what I asked," I replied, still struggling to get out of this bloody dress.

Seeing my struggle, August hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "May I help?" he asked softly, extending a hand.

I paused, considering his offer, then nodded. "Yes, please."

He carefully untied the laces of my corset, his fingers deft and gentle. My body grew goosebumps as his hands gently ran across my arm then waist to pull the dress down. Flashbacks of our previous moments together burned in my skull as he moved down to my legs.

As the pressure of the corset released, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"Thank you," I murmured, slipping out of the dress. Taking off my undergarments, I quickly slipped my nightgown on and turned to face August.

We both stared at each other for a second as I breathed deeply. He was dressed minimally in his sleepwear, and I licked my lips.

This was supposed to be a conversation about our relationship, but it seemed all my mind could focus on was his lips and body.

"Lilith, are you okay?" he asked, snapping me out of my reverie.

"Yes," I replied, walking to the bed.

"I forgive you, August," I breathed out as he stood beside me. It was late, but I wondered if he would stay tonight... hold me and maybe kiss me.

"Good. You seem tired, so I shall let you rest," he said, kissing my cheek as I nodded.

"Good night."

I watched as he turned to leave, my heart sinking a little. "August, wait."

He paused, looking back at me with a questioning expression. "Yes?"

"Stay with me tonight. Just... hold me," I whispered, feeling vulnerable but needing his presence.

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Of course."

He walked back to the bed, slipping under the covers beside me. As he wrapped his arms around me, I felt a sense of comfort and safety. His warmth enveloped me, and I nestled closer, resting my head against his chest.

"Thank you," I murmured, feeling a wave of contentment wash over me.