Chapter 65: The Aftertaste of Fire
Adriana’s words hung in the air, ’You smell like my boyfriend.’
That sentence pulled Merlina backward, back to that moment, still fresh, when Craig’s lips had been on hers...
She froze. Blood thundered in her ears. Her knees gave way beneath her. Her mind scrambled, wild and spinning, like a storm tearing through everything.
Adriana tilted her head, laughing. As if it were a joke. As if she hadn’t just ripped the ground from under Merlina’s feet.
"I know...maybe I’m just remembering him," she said with a soft chuckle, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "maybe it’s just wishful thinking."
Merlina’s lips parted, but nothing came out.
Just air. Just panic.
She forced a weak nod. "Uh-huh."
Adriana hummed. "Wonder where he is." She stretched like a cat on the mattress, then stood. "I should go find him. See you later, Merlina." She tapped her shoulder.
And just like that, she slipped out of the tent.
Merlina didn’t move.