The next day was Thursday, and I hurried through my work so I'd be able to join Cam on his walk, if he went for one, that is. The snow was falling steadily, but it showed no signs of turning into a blizzard, so I hoped he'd go and not just stay bundled up at home. Ever since his exchange of hostilities with Mikhail, he'd been... well, different. Less bashful and withdrawn, bolder and more confident, more open about his feelings for me. I had to admit, I liked this new Cam.
I thought about him as I hurried through my work, then I suddenly remembered the night before, and stopped dead in my tracks as I turned red with embarrassment. What had I been thinking? Two suitors were such handful as it was—why had I even considered accepting a third? Especially... especially since I was almost certain that I couldn't return his affection. Almost... and I shivered as a thrill ran down my spine, remembering his ardent kisses and feverish touch. Well, I'd think about it, like I said I would. But like I'd already told Mikhail, desire was no substitute for love. And I was sure I'd need to keep that well in mind, dealing with this lot....
My winter chores were light, once the initial planting was done, so I managed to reach Bluebell early enough that Cam would still be eating his breakfast, since he liked to sleep in a little on his days off. So rather than intrude on his meal, I stopped to say hi to Ash, as usual. Unlike most of the men in the two towns, Ash had remained friendly rather than pining for me. At least, he never seemed to get jealous, so I assumed he wasn't interested in me. It was a big relief—especially since he was Cam's best friend. I walked up to him with a warm smile and friendly greeting, only to have him give me a cool look and turn his back to me.
I groaned inwardly, recognizing the signs. "This... could get awkward," I thought to myself as I approached him apprehensively. "Ash? What's wrong?" Keeping his back to me, he simply shrugged one shoulder. "Hey, c'mon. What's up? Tell me."
He suddenly whirled around, and his eyes blazing with anger, he said, "I'm really pissed off, Alice. And you know why, don't you?"
I stared at him, dumbfounded by the intensity of his baleful glare, and stammered, "Ash? I-I'm sorry, I honestly don't know what's upset you so much. But I'm sorry if I... "
Before I could finish my sentence, Ash grabbed me by both arms and jerked me tightly against him, crushing his lips against mine in a ferocious kiss as he pinned my arms behind me, gripping my wrists painfully in just one of his big, powerful hands as he clutched my hair in the other.
I'd never been kissed like that before. It frightened me, the tempest of pent-up rage and animal need that fueled that kiss. I struggled to pull away, but Ash held me fast—and he was really strong. Too strong. I began to feel panic rising in me as I realized that I wasn't going to be able to get away—and I didn't know what he was going to do.
Suddenly he was jerked back, releasing me as he stumbled and nearly lost his balance. Standing behind him was Cam, glaring at him with a storm gathering in his eyes. He gripped Ash's shoulder tightly as he whirled him around face to face, glowering at his friend as his other hand curled tightly into a fist. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he snarled through clenched teeth. Ash stared blankly at him for a moment, then shoved him away, glared first at him and then at me, and stalked off into the barn without a word.
I wobbled, feeling as though my legs were about to give way. Cam quickly put his arm around me to steady me. "Wh-what just happened?" I asked weakly as I clung to him for support, still confused and frightened by what had just taken place.
Cam didn't answer right away. Instead, he slowly walked me out of the pasture and over to the benches near the town gate—not as close by as those in the town square but far more private. He brushed the blanket of powdery snow off a bench, then gesturing for me to have a seat. I sat down, still feeling shaky and confused, and he sat down beside me. He let out a deep sigh, then turned to me, a mixture of anger, grief, and I thought maybe a little glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "You really don't know the effect you have on people, do you, Alice?"
