Hunted Sorcery (Jon Oklar Book 2), B.T. Narro [digital book reader txt] 📗

very ample.” Michael spoke in an eloquent tone, as if his comment wasn’t at all crude.

I wasn’t in much of a better mood by the time I returned to the courtyard. I tried not to pay attention to Kataleya, though I did find myself glancing over many times throughout the afternoon.

It was a little later in the day when she was already looking at me when I did it again. She was sitting on the side of the well, no water spell in the air. I looked away as soon as our gazes met, but I could feel her staring. I looked back to find her gesturing at the apartments.

It seemed like she was trying to signal me to go inside. I looked around at the others training, but no one seemed to notice. We were supposed to keep tabs on each other, but people regularly left for bathroom breaks. It would probably just look like that.

I was right to assume that Kataleya would not follow immediately. I had to wait near the stairs for a little while before she showed up.

“Can we speak privately?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said, figuring this was the explanation I had been hoping for.

I was a little surprised that she took my hand and pulled me up the stairs after her, quickly. She didn’t drop my hand as we came to the hall on the second floor. I followed her to her room, where she tried the handle tentatively as if it might be locked.

It was. “Darn. Can we speak in your room?”

I nodded.

My blood ran hot. I knew I was probably expecting more than I should, but there were few things I wanted more than having Kataleya alone in my room, especially as she didn’t seem to want to let go of my hand.

I unlocked my door, glad I was trusted enough by the king to retain my key. I opened it for Kataleya to enter first, then went after her.

She frowned at the sight of me closing the door, but she didn’t say anything.

“I feel bad about how I handled things earlier,” she said. “You should know that I think you’re handsome.”

“You do?” I said, a little surprised but completely flattered.

“Yes, very,” she added. “And I know I’m not alone in this thought. It was because of that fact that I figured you would be fine with my rejection, but I was watching you during lunch and after, and I think I was wrong. I think I may have hurt you. May I ask, how strong are your feelings for me?”

I felt like my shirt was choking my neck as I pulled it away from my throat. I knew it was best to be straightforward with her, but that didn’t make it any easier.

“I know this is uncomfortable,” she said. “But I think it would be better to get all of it out now so we can address it.”

I agreed, but I still found it hard to speak.

“I thought your desire was primarily because of my looks or maybe my wealth, as I’ve experienced with other boys,” she said.

“It’s not,” I answered her curtly, as I was still finding my bearings.

“Then what do you feel?”

“I don’t know if any girl has ever been this blunt with me.” I laughed nervously.  “It’s difficult to talk about. I’m not exactly sure. I feel many things.”

“You were the first one to be blunt, remember? I’m only trying to figure this out, and I of course trust you because you have been nothing but honest with me. I know you trust me, too.”

“I do.”

“Then let us address this bluntly so we can get past it.”

“Yes, let’s. You go first.”

“I want you to know that I’m flattered, and I really meant what I said. If things were different, I would’ve liked to see what might’ve happened with us.” She paused and looked down. “I’ve been attracted to you since the first time I saw you. I’ve never felt that way about anyone.”

I still couldn’t get over how honest and upfront she was about everything. She seemed to be nervous, her voice shaking, yet she kept going without pause.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, and I like many things about you. However…” She paused again, clearing a knot from her throat. “I shouldn’t act on my attraction.”

I became more nervous now that it was my turn. This felt like one of those conversations that I might be able to steer in a different direction if I just had the right words, but I was still confused by it all.

Fortunately, she continued to disrupt the silence. “Our friendship could be difficult, seeing as how you might feel the same about me?” She stared at me, her eyes drifting down to my lips. “What do you have to say?”

I gathered my courage and spoke. “I’m still not sure why we can only be friends.”

She had a breath as if frustrated, then glanced at the door. “Perhaps this was a bad idea.” She turned back and told me with a quiet voice, “I don’t want for us to stay in here with your door closed for too long. I really hope you understand how difficult this is for me, because I do really like you. Do you understand what I’m saying? Can we leave it at that?”

No, I needed her to say the reason, but now she was heading for the door.

“Can I ask you just one thing?” I blurted, trying to contain my frustration.

She hesitated. “Yes, of course. I’m sorry.” She turned around to face me again.

“What is preventing you from letting me in? You can tell me.”

She sighed as she looked at the floor. “I was really hoping I had given you enough clues so I wouldn’t have to say it.”

“You wanted to be blunt. Let’s be blunt. I’m not saying we are destined to fall in love,” I continued. “But you seem to like me, and I like you—a lot. Now, I’m not as good with words as you