He leaned forward and she realized that his focus was on her lips. “We’re friends.” She blurted before he could kiss her. Thing was, if he kissed her, all out went at it, she would be putty in his hands.

He gave her a smile that made her want to groan. Then he kissed her on her forehead. It was so tender. So sweet. Torrent let his lips linger for a moment before pulling her into a tight hug.

* * *

The next day…

“What did you say to him?” Sky asked.

“What do you mean?” Candy put her book down. It was the second in the series—The Demon Prince’s Love Slave—Torrent was going to tease her when he got a look at the cover.

“Torrent made a public announcement. He has renounced his claim on you, stating that you are just friends. Just friends?” She frowned, looking shocked. “Torrent has never been friends with a female before. Maybe me but that doesn’t count because I’m family. Then again, he’s never been in love with one either. Anyway, he also pointed out that if a male so much as touches you, and I quote—I will disembowel the bastard myself. He smiled while he said it.” Sky visibly shivered. “The male is besotted.”

“He said that?” Candy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Part of her felt hurt. He renounced her.

“Yup. You are free to go whereever you want. You are quite safe. Just don’t be too surprised if any of the guys turn around and walk the other way if they see you coming.”

“He wouldn’t really hurt anyone though.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure I like this jealous side. It’s what caused the problems between us in the first place.”

“Yes and no.” Sky widened her eyes. “He is in love with you. Normally a couple would mate and be done with it. With you two, everything has been up in the air indefinitely. On the one hand it’s good for Torrent, he needed to learn to work for a female. He’s had it too easy but on the other hand, it’s not natural for a shifter. He is driven to mate you and to keep other suitors away. He is hardwired this way. Doing anything else will demand huge strength and patience. It will go against his grain. I need to give you some advice.”

Candy smiled. The other woman was a mother figure and a friend all rolled into one. “That’s fine. Go ahead.”

“I can see that you weren’t happy when I mentioned that Torrent had renounced you. I know your feelings run deep for him.” She paused. “Here goes, don’t make him wait too long. I don’t know what he did or said to make you so angry with him but please, take my advice on this one.”