Jayce extended his arm, and Molly hesitated momentarily before accepting it. She erred by grasping his bicep rather than his elbow, which led her thoughts to fixate on it concealed beneath his substantial jacket. What was amiss with her?
They traversed the main camp in silence, proceeding towards the frozen lake. Earlier, Molly had observed several younger children skating on the solid surface, yet she was uncertain how one would initiate such an endeavour. Wouldn’t the ice fracture?
At that moment, there was no indication of anyone else; she appreciated the solitude. He halted at the perimeter of the frozen lake, gazing at its crystalline surface. Molly observed him for a moment, analysing the contemplative expression in his eyes when he was preoccupied with thoughts. She yearned to decipher the tumult of his thoughts instead of being consumed by her own concerns.
Upon catching her gaze, Jayce offered her a fleeting smile. It was so subtle and momentary that she nearly overlooked it—a mere quirk of his lips that sent her heart racing like never before. He orientated himself towards her, and she observed his eyes darting between her lips and eyes, as if uncertain which held greater allure.
Molly abruptly expressed, “I believe I did not perform well in your class,” but she discerned that he was not attentive, as his gaze remained fixed on her lips. “In truth, I am uncertain why my wolf is so difficult to coexist with.” She possesses a distinct intellect.
His hand was nearly absurdly larger than hers. He abruptly grasped one of her hands, enveloping it within his. Her mind raced with countless thoughts, unable to determine which to prioritise, yet she recognised she had nothing further to articulate when he gazed at her in that manner.
He raised his free hand to her face and swept her long hair away from her eyes. He tucked it behind her ears, causing her to shiver from the contact. It was a moment reminiscent of literary romance, where the love interest delicately brushes hair behind the ear before he-
Jayce elevated her chin and bent down to press his lips against hers. She felt as though every bone in her body had frozen at the gentle contact. She did not anticipate it, not in the least.
Jayce forcefully distanced himself from her, causing her to stumble and nearly fall. His expression was far from gentle or affectionate; it was filled with rage. He appeared almost injured.
“Jayce-”
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and spat at her feet, as if she were the most repugnant thing he had ever encountered. Molly felt tears welling in her eyes immediately as he turned away from her in silence and marched back towards the camp.
What has just occurred?
Did he just take her first genuine kiss and then reject it as if it were toxic? Nausea surged in her throat, which she suppressed to avoid expelling her entire insides.
Profuse, warm tears flowed uncontrollably. She realised that he may have kissed her solely due to having seen her unclothed and anticipating a response. That was the crux of it, wasn’t it? Upon sensing her apprehension, he recognised he was not receiving what he desired. He offered her no opportunity to recover from the shock; his intentions were singular.
She knelt in the snow, observing the delicate white flakes descending from the sky. They shimmered in the light, typically a beautiful sight, yet filled her with a sense of dread. Why had he kissed her?
Why did he not allow her the opportunity to reciprocate the kiss?
What would motivate her to contemplate it?
Molly?A soft voice beckoned from behind her. Molly turned to find Colton a short distance away. The sun had descended in the sky, leaving her with scant illumination to highlight her despair. Her tears had long since evaporated, yet her eyes might remain inflamed for days. Consumed by anger, she yearned to strike Jayce and then sever all ties with him. He was nothing but a vile brute unworthy of her attention. She eagerly anticipated her liberation and the prospect of never encountering him again.
What are you doing here still? Jayce has been menacing the camp with his hostility for hours. “I suspected he may have murdered you and abandoned your body here,” Colton jested, though a portion of him appeared sincere. Molly would have laughed had she retained any capacity for sound. All that remained within her was rage and desolation.
“Regrettably, I exist,” Molly stated. Colton positioned himself beside her in the snow, resting his elbows on his knees.
“I am certain you intended to say ‘fortunately,’ but that is acceptable; we all err.” Colton nudged her shoulder and examined her blotchy red face. “What transpired?”
I cannot comprehend how he can exhibit kindness one moment and behave like a complete lunatic the next. I am weary of feigning contentment.
He is quite an individual. “I have never witnessed anyone frown as much as he does.” Colton looked at his nails. “It is peculiar to acknowledge that he has feelings for you, yet he does.”
Molly scoffed. “I believe he occasionally does, but then he engages in despicable behaviour that causes me to doubt it.”
“Ah, youthful affection.” I cannot claim to envy you.
“We are not in love,” Molly stated abruptly. The revulsion on his face replayed in her mind. No man would regard her in such a manner if he were truly in love. Why did he have to drive her to distraction? She had embarked on this trip solely to serve him as a maid, yet it had deviated significantly from her expectations. The nights he held her for warmth and insisted on sleeping beside her, rescuing her repeatedly and pursuing those who harmed her, indicated a semblance of care. However, he would withdraw that affection the following day as if it were merely a game.
Colton raised his eyebrows. She was merely relieved that he could not perceive her tumultuous thoughts and the myriad of concerns that occupied her mind. “Okay.” I cannot define your essence, but I can articulate my observations.
“Is it necessary for you to?”Molly lamented and rested her head in her palms.
“Typically not, but today yes,” Colton remarked, his voice tinged with amusement. “I observe a man incapable of managing his emotions for a woman, directing his frustration towards those in his vicinity.” I observe a woman endeavouring to discover her identity and experience autonomy, while simultaneously being attracted to a controlling man. Neither of you can avoid it; however, the closer you become, the more distressing it will appear until you acknowledge your emotions. Or, until he acts.
Molly expressed her disbelief by rolling her eyes. “He does not harbour romantic feelings for me.” I assure you of that.
Colton rose and removed the snow from his trousers before extending his hand to assist her. “A promise invariably carries an element of risk, does it not?”
