Splintered

Chapter Six: Caught Between Snow and the Storm

"I think it is best if we put this game on pause for now." Snow's teasing gaze settled between her eyes. "At least, before your nose is as red as your hair."

"You only really need to worry if it turns black." Hazel shrugged, not wanting him to avoid her question any longer. The man was like trying to trap water in the palm of your hand, easily evading even the tightest grasp with ease.

"While I appreciate the commitment. In a blizzard, no less. It will do little good if I allow our newest Victor to freeze to death or worse...He fixed her with a dazzling smile, "Become noseless." With a mischievous wink, he turned on his heel and strode away.

"Does this mean you owe me a favor?" Hazel called after him as he descended the incline.

"I don't think I specified how long I have to answer." He called over his shoulder, practically gliding away as if he knew she would follow. Not that she had much other choice. She shot one last withering look at the woods behind her. It was creaking and groaning with the pressure of the new precipitation.

Hazel grumbled at the sapling, "This is all your fault, you know." She huffed and pulled the sugar and rose-scented jacket tighter and started after Snow. Even with his head turned and walking several feet ahead, she knew he was smiling. Undeniably, he was winning this round.

Once he reached the vehicle, he turned back to her. She nearly slowed to a snail's pace just to annoy him but thought better of it. It was getting quite cold. Her drying sweat was like a housekey, unlocking her core body temperature and welcoming the frigidness inside her very bones. Despite herself and the smirking man before her, she sunk further into the warmth of the heavy garment.

"So, are you just going to keep making up new rules for our game when it suits you?"

He leaned his elbow against the roof. "You can take the Gamemaker out of the game, Miss Marlowe."

The annoyed shake of her head brought a confident laugh pouring out of him. He smiled widely again as he pulled the door open and waited for her to close the remaining distance.

"Well, at least it appears that I won't be noseless after all."

"I do prefer you with a nose." He tapped his gloved fingers on the door

She mumbled as she crawled inside. Sable was nearly comatose in the passenger seat next to the mayor's driver.

"Breaks almost over." She called to the front.

Sable didn't open his eyes as he addressed her. "You don't exist, and I can't hear you until we get back to the house."

Hazel huffed. She was on her own.

Snow slid in beside her and signaled to the driver, and the car rumbled forward.

As she leaned back, the maroon collar slid against her cheeks, and his scent strengthened its hold on her lungs. She was fairly certain it was permeating every crevice of the interior. "Speaking of noses. Are you using a new cologne or something?"

Snow's surprised stare met hers, and the intensity from the woods suddenly reignited. "Why do you ask?"

"You're...uh...coat." She stammered, "It smells different."

Snow's eyes sparkled in the dark confines of the car, "As opposed to my usual scent?"

Hazel coughed, running her finger over the sleeve, "Yeah."

"I didn't realize you were smelling me, Miss Marlowe."

Hazel turned her gaze to the window, her cheeks burning, "It's not like anyone could miss it. You are the only man I know who smells like roses."