Burning Bridges

[Mykel’s POV]

Shock rolled through me as Amya buried her face against my chest. Was this woman actually attempting to comfort me after what we discussed? I had to admit that it was different, but I really didn’t mind.

"Are you feeling sorry for me?" I asked, resting my cheek on her hair.

"And if I am?"

Smirking, I pulled away just enough to look into her eyes. Within their depths, I could see every emotion that she was currently feeling.

"Don’t worry too much." I assured. "No amount of hassling or threatening will allow Arabella to get her way. Especially since I’ve found you."

"So if I wasn’t here, you might give in?" Amya challenged frowning. "Mykel, being forced into anything isn’t right, and you shouldn’t make light of it."

Flinching, I realized too late that before we met, she had been forced into an arranged marriage with a monster.

"I’m sorry, baby." I murmured, "I didn’t mean it like that."

"Better not."

I let out a sigh and nodded.

"Now, we really should get to gramps’ offic