I sighed as I shifted in my seat. He was so infuriatingly hard to understand. All day I’d felt so frustrated, unable to read him or his emotions, feeling like I’d been cut off from him. And yet, he had driven me around, taken me to see everything I wished, bought me all those clothes and food and had put up with me for far longer than he’d needed to.

What was going on in that magnificent mind of his? It would be easy for me to believe he was phoning it in, just going through the motions. That’s what it felt like, but why would he even bother? It must have been obvious to him my… interest… in him. Was he just trying to let me down gently?

But then that meant he cared… didn’t it? It was a small consolation.

He hadn’t touched me once since last night. The memory of how he’d held me in his arms, making me feel warm and safe, made my insides churn.

Don’t you see, I chastised myself. He may have some feelings for you… but why should he? Think of how it must seem to him. You’re nothing compared to him. How would you feel if you had feelings for an ant? Admit it. He likes you, but it’s like liking… a puppy! He can’t love you, not like you… like you… love him.

Do you think just because you got the book and saved the day that now it’ll all just work out and you’ll be all boyfriend and girlfriend? As if he’d ever see you that way! You shouldn’t be getting this attached to him. He’s just going to hurt you.

I could feel a tear forming in the corner of my eye. I tried to hold it back. It had been such a perfect weekend…

I must have fallen asleep, because a feather-like touch on my cheek woke me. I looked around blearily. Riley was still driving, both hands on the wheel, and night had fallen.

“We have arrived,” he said. “I will drop you off at your home before I take the Grimoire to Neil.”

“I’ll come with you to Neil’s,” I offered, sitting up as I rubbed my eyes.

“No. You will go home.” He looked at me, and there almost seemed to be… regret in his face. “You have… school in the morning.”

“You do too!” I countered, but I knew there was no point in arguing with him. His mind was made up.

We had the book, and the threat of apocalypse was halted in its tracks.

The world was safe. I was safe.

He had no more reason to keep me with him.

“No, it’s fine.” I bit back my growing resentment. “Just drop me off.” Within my chest, I could feel my heart twist in pain.