Awry

56

Tristan looked around the dark shack and bit back a curse.

Still seated on the couch, Scarlet looked around. “I don’t suppose you have a generator?” Shadows from the fireplace—the only remaining light in the room—danced on her cheeks.

Tristan exhaled. “Nope.”

His eyes caught on hers and neither of them spoke. Scarlet had remembered what happened between them in her last life. Which wasn’t bad.

But it also wasn’t safe.

If their connection was strong enough to suck him into a flashback with her, then….

Well, then they definitely shouldn’t be having any sleepovers.

He took a deep breath. “Since we won’t have a heater tonight, you can sleep out here by the fireplace and I’ll sleep in the bedroom.”

Yes. That was a good plan.

All he needed to do now was leave. Walk away.

Tristan glanced at the darkened doorway of the cold bedroom that promised him no sleep whatsoever.

Gathering the blanket around her, Scarlet moved from the couch and folded down to the floor in front of the fireplace.

Tristan watched her watching the fire for a long moment.

“It’s peaceful, you know. Watching a fire burn.” Her eyes followed the flames. “Hypnotic, even. The way the flames wrap around what they devour until there is no more to consume. A roaring fire, destined to become quiet embers.”

Looking up at him from her blanket cocoon, Scarlet’s eyes flickered in the firelight. “Wanna sit?”

No.

He needed to leave. He needed to make his feet move him away from Scarlet and into the back bedroom. He did not want to sit.

Tristan sat down beside her.

They watched the flames without speaking for several minutes.

“Do you think it will always be this way?” Scarlet’s eyes stared straight ahead.

Tristan wasn’t sure if she meant the curse or their relationship. But the two were so related it didn’t matter.

He inhaled deeply. “I think…the only thing in this world that is truly immortal is hope. So, no.” He watched a flame lick around a dying piece of wood. “It won’t always be this way.”

Scarlet’s lips parted with a sad smile. Her voice was soft. “Sometimes you say beautiful things.”

He mirrored her broken smile. “Only to you.”

Her blue eyes slid from the fire to Tristan, looking lost and brave at the same time.

God, he loved her.

Their gazes locked for a few moments, before Tristan turned his eyes back to the fire. Scarlet did the same.

She cleared her throat. “Nate thinks your touch erases my memories. He says immortal blood can do that.”

This was news to Tristan. “Is that why he thinks your amnesia is worse this time?”

Scarlet nodded.

Tristan wanted to kick himself. Not only did he kill Scarlet with his touch, but he erased her memories too? He belonged in Hell.

They sat in silence for a while and eventually Scarlet’s eyes grew heavy. She slowly laid down beside Tristan, still wrapped in her blanket as she closed her eyes.

Sleepily, she said, “I know you’re going to leave me.” The fire crackled. “But don’t go, yet.” Her voice trailed off. “Not…yet.”

Tristan looked at her restful face until her breathing became even and peaceful. He had no intention of leaving her.

Not now.

Not ever.

He looked back at the flames and watched the roaring fire burn itself down into embers.