It wasn’t bad.

Maybe there was a whiff of the coffee he’d drank from earlier, but nothing so repulsive that it explained why Zofia had yanked back in shock, clutching her heart as if he’d mortally wounded her with a kiss. When she’d pulled back, a wash of nerves fizzed through him.

“I’m so sorry,” he’d said, panicking. “Did I … did I misunderstand?”

“No,” she said, breathing fast.

“Are you upset?”

“Yes.”

But Zofia would not say more than that. The moment they had returned to the safe house, she’d fled to her laboratory to finish what inventions were needed before they left for Carnevale within the hour. Laila was not back yet. In the music room, Hypnos played the piano and sang a love song, pulling Enrique’s thoughts back into that kiss.

He’d thought it was rather suave of him, the whole “it could be so much better” line. He’d meant it too. The moment Zofia’s lips touched his, it was like answering a want he hadn’t been able to articulate. He’d wanted this. Wanted her.

When he kissed her again, a slim beam of light knifed through the swan wing enclosures of the boat. He’d glimpsed the bright blue shine of her eyes, the fey-like sharpness to her chin and the lit-candle gold of her hair. For whatever blunt words she spoke, Zofia’s lips were soft as snowfall, and the kiss blanketed his thoughts. For a while now, Zofia had unquieted something in him. They understood each other in a way he hadn’t experienced, in a way that made him feel safe and heard. But maybe it had always been a one-sided emotion.

It wouldn’t be the first time.

“Daydreaming?”

Hypnos leaned against the doorframe.

“You have been quite distracted since we returned,” said Hypnos. Something knowing gleamed in his eyes. Enrique’s face flamed.

“Well, yes, I mean, there’s the fact that we have no clues for what awaits us in Carnevale, and I’m still gathering my notes on Poveglia and—”

“And you kissed Zofia.”

“Please leave.”

“Nonsense,” sang Hypnos loudly. He cleared his throat and continued speaking. “Don’t worry, I’m not envious. I have a big, generous heart and a big generous—”

“Hypnos.”

“I was going to say ‘sense of humor.’”

“Lies.”

Hypnos grinned, then clapped his hands. “Well? How was it?”

Enrique glared at him.

“Oh, come now, mon cher,” said Hypnos. “Friends tell friends secrets!”

“We have been friends for less than a day.”

“Hmpf,” said Hypnos before turning around and exclaiming in delight. “Little Phoenix! You join us once more!”

Enrique stood straighter as Zofia entered the room. He was nervous about making eye contact with her, but it was impossible to see her over the pile of robes and masks in her arms. She lowered them slowly onto the wooden table in the library before turning to face them. She regarded Enrique mildly. It was as if nothing had ever happened between them, and he wasn’t sure if that left him grateful or gutted.