Foreboding sank into Romy’s bones.

“If nothing ever happens between us, then that’s your choice. But, I just want to kiss you once. Just one time.”

During their conversation, Thrym had already moved closer. His face was still directly in front of hers.

Romy didn’t think it was a good idea. But guilt twisted her gut, side by side with annoyance that Thrym had asked her in the first place, knowing it would make her uncomfortable. Her knot mate moved closer, and she shook her head as he tilted her chin.

“No—”

It was a quick kiss—long enough, though, that Romy had time to analyse the taste and texture of him. Something she hadn’t ever wanted to do. And for some reason, she felt like it was her fault. Maybe she should have said no straightaway . . . but she’d been thinking! He hadn’t given her time to answer.

Was silence an answer? Romy didn’t think so.

She stood slowly and glared down at Thrym.

He was gasping. “Ro. I’m sorry. I just had to. Just once. You have no idea how much I’ve dreamed of that moment.”

She stepped away from him, trembling with rage, regret, hurt—all balled up in one confusing mess. “I’m glad you got what you wanted.”

Romy strode off, leaving Thrym alone in the empty clearing.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Romy didn’t want to go back to their bungalow—Thrym would go there. Screaming was what she really wanted to do. In reality, though, she paced in front of some random house, hoping she wasn’t disturbing the people inside.

It wasn’t just the kiss with Thrym. It was that Atlas never came back.

Thrym said he wanted Romy because of who she was. Was he implying that Atlas just wanted her because of . . . what? She kicked up some red dust. It just made her angrier—not satisfying enough to relieve her fury. Nor her doubt.

Romy pulled up short with a sigh. The night had become chilly and she rubbed her arms for warmth.

She was wide awake now, reliving that perfect moment before Atlas left the festival. Why couldn’t the night have ended there? After staring up at the stars for a long beat, Romy decided there was no chance of sleep for her tonight. She had to see Atlas. Maybe it was pathetic, but she needed him. Because—and this was the main source of her misery—she might have just lost her best friend.

She crept back to the clearing, grateful to find Thrym gone. The dance floor and tables were abandoned. Most of the lanterns had gone out. She had no idea where Atlas slept, but there was one place she could check. If he wasn’t there, then she’d go to Nancy’s and sleep on the ground.