Children of Poseidon: Rann by Annalisa Carr Read Free Book Online Page B

round his hand, tilting her head until he found just the right angle. Her lips parted, and he bent forward, rubbing his mouth against hers in a brief kiss. He raised his head, and she gaped at him in astonishment. Rann had kissed her. Almost a proper kiss. Why? He’d never even appeared to consider it before.
    A small smile curved his lips before he kissed her again, this time a little deeper, a little longer. Her hands moved to his waist, clutching at him. Warmth seeped through the fine linen of his shirt, and her hands tightened in the material, before flattening out against him.
    The temptation to urge him on rose in her. A small moan came from her throat and echoed in her own ears, horrifying her. Gathering all her resources, she lifted her hands to his chest. They wanted to explore, but she forced them to push him away. He stepped back, releasing her hair, his other hand still warm on her back.
    She wanted him close again. Her hands dropped to her sides, where they clenched into fists.
    “No?” He made it sound like yes.
    “No.” Her voice shook.
    “It’s true.” Rann took her hand and played with her fingers, uncurling them from her palm. “You aren’t a child any longer. You’re a grown witch and a beautiful woman. I’ve taken you for granted.”
    Jewel inhaled sharply. She needed to tell Rann how she felt. He’d been so good to her; he deserved to know she wasn’t ungrateful. “You know I’ve had a crush on you for years?” She glanced at him, eyes lingering on his perfectly sculpted mouth.
    He studied her hand, watching her fingers as he spread them and linked them with his, but at this, he glanced up. “Really?”
    Despite his beauty and power and the ease with which he attracted lovers, Rann had never been vain. He was likely the only person on the island unaware of Jewel’s feelings.
    A smile spread across his face. “Why did you push me away?”
    Jewel sighed. She didn’t want to have to say any of this. It sounded so silly to her. “I’m insecure.”
    “So?” His face wrinkled in confusion.
    “You know what happened with Micael.” She studied their linked hands. His closeness made it hard to focus. “I thought he loved me, but I was wrong. He used me. I wanted to love him. I always had a lovesick youth hanging about in those days. It made me feel better about myself.”
    “You were seventeen.” Rann sounded puzzled. “Everyone’s entitled to a few mistakes. It’s part of growing up.”
    “Yes, but no one has ever loved me.” Jewel hoped she didn’t sound as pathetic to him as she did to herself. “My mother hated me. I don’t know who my father was. When Micael pretended to care about me, I was happy. I didn’t think about why a mage would be interested in an immature witch. When he betrayed me, I was devastated. You saw what I was like.”
    “I’m not sure—”
    “It got me banished. My mother offered to execute me.” Jewel’s face grew hot as she remembered. She spoke as quickly as possible, spitting the words out. “So I’ve been careful with men ever since. I know I’m possessive. I wouldn’t share. And you do. I don’t want to lose you as a friend. You’ve been a better friend to me than anyone except maybe Maya. I just don’t trust myself.” She was babbling. She hoped Rann was able to follow what she meant.
    Rann sat on the bed and pulled Jewel down next to him. “I love you. I’d never hurt you.”
    “I know.” Jewel let out a heavy sigh. He doesn’t get it. “But you love me like you love all your people, and I know that won’t be enough for me. That’s why I have to go.”
    Rann shook his head. He still didn’t understand.
    “You’ve had many lovers while I’ve been here. You’ll probably have a lot more. I’m not that sort of person. I’d want exclusive.”
    “Jewel—”
    “Let’s not talk about it now.” She pulled her hands from his grip. “Tomorrow I’m going, so there’s not much point.”
    Rann studied her in silence for a