Chapter 64: He must never know
Cass held onto Draken’s hand awkwardly, trying to angle it so that he could cut his shirt with someone else’s hand without turning Draken around. It was a hard task, especially if he didn’t want to reveal himself to the rest of the people outside.
He could hear them moving around outside of the carriage, so he had a reason to be worried, but at the same time...Draken really filled out the carriage doorway. It was a little...intimidating, honestly. Cass was sure Lord Blackburn looked like a stick next to him. He looked like a stick next to him.
It was an annoying thought.
Cass could tell Draken was laughing at him from the way his shoulders shook. Cass was ignoring that, focusing on using his elongated, clawed fingers to slice through his clothes. It was hard, and he was doing his damn best to focus.
To Cass’ own fear, and a tingling in his lower stomach, the claws cut through his clothes like a knife through butter. It caused a shiver to run down his spine, and Cass was so focused on not cutting himself he nearly jumped out of his skin when Draken spoke.
"Be careful not to cut yourself. If you do, I’ll kiss it better." Cass’ cheeks flushed.
"You don’t need to do something so disgusting, I promise. I’m being careful." Cass shot back, and Draken’s shoulders shook more.
"Disgusting? Are you not a fan of kissing?" Draken asked, mirth in his tone and Cass felt his face warm more. Not a fan? Cass hadn’t even known what kissing felt like before today, and now-
"Stop reading my emotions!" Cass shouted, slicing through the last knot of melted fabric and shuffling back, dropping Draken’s hand like it was hot. Draken chuckled.
"I have no idea why you are so upset. Are you not a fan of kissing, Cassian? Or have you not kissed anyone before? Not even Fiona?" Cass could feel his heart racing in his chest as he jerkily yanked the torn fabric off of his body.
Flustered, and unsure how to answer, Cass opened and closed his mouth.