Uncertainty seethed behind his ribcage. He couldn’t take a deep enough breath to still it. Last night, he’d entered the river with no more intent than to ensure Ashley remained safe and awake. Explaining how he’d left it was impossible. Where had all that raging passion come from? Citizens did not behave in such a way. The depth of sheer, clawing need—desire—he’d allowed shocked him. No, not allowed, like he’d had the ability to stop. It had consumed him, snapping his control, and shoving him closer to that abyss Ashley represented. Desire. He felt that same jolt when he met Ashley’s gaze. When he thought about her. When she touched him. The jolt was frightening and thrilling at the same time. In fact, one had oddly complimented the other. When Ashley had commanded him to stop, he’d been scraped raw, as if she’d scored him on the inside. Devastated. Devastated she’d not shared his happiness. But she had not, and he must respect it no matter how much he yearned to continue this amazing education.
