Page 24 of Twin Warriors

He frowned, about to ask her something, but the door to his office opened and Cole stepped in.

Her body instantly relaxed at the sight of his huge frame. He stepped to the side and let Cane enter behind him. Once they were in, Cane shut the door and looked at Iron, avoiding her gaze at all costs. She watched him, a frown of worry creasing her brow. He was angry with her for the feelings she had for Cole. She knew he would be, even understood why, but it still tore at her to think she had hurt him like that.

Lowering her gaze to her hands, Amy’s shoulders slumped, and tears burned her eyes. She had messed up so badly with them. The first men she had seen in who knew how long and she totally messed up.

Chapter Eight

Cane forced himself not to look at the female. He clenched his fists into tight balls, forcing himself not to reach out and touch her again. His body hummed from the anger that filled his veins at the way he had acted with her in the cave. If Iron told him that the female hadn’t wanted to touch him, that what he felt for her was all in his crumbling mind, then he would walk out and end his own life. He would never be able to forgive himself if he had forced her to touch him, to kiss him the way she had, if she didn’t want it.

“Cane?” Iron asked, his eyes filled with concern.

Cane met his eyes, his jaw clenched and his breathing harsh.

“Amy asked to see you both. I believe she deserves to hear what is happening from the two of you.”

He frowned. The female had asked to see them… Willingly?

He let his control slip and glanced down at the small female sitting in the chair in front of Iron’s desk. Her head was lowered, and her hands fidgeted with her tunic, but it was when he saw a tear drop from her eyes and land on her hand that he lost his control.

Without a word, he moved past Cole and fell to his knees beside her chair. Reaching out with a shaky hand, he gently moved her face to meet his eyes. At the sight of her tears and worry, he bit back a growl of anger that he had caused it.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, unsure of what else to say.

She gave him a wobbly smile. “You have nothing to be sorry about.”

“I… I never meant to hurt you. Please believe that.”

“You didn’t. I’m the one that hurt you, and I’m so sorry. I just… I don’t understand what is happening to me.”

Cole moved to kneel at her other side, lifting her hand in his metallic one and brushing a soft kiss to her palm.

“Let us tell you, little Sila. You have nothing to be afraid of.”

Even Cane could hear the uncertainty in his brother's voice. He glanced up at Iron to see if the male was concerned by their actions, but he just smiled at them and nodded.

“She has no fear of you. She sought you out willingly and I believe what you both feel is the real thing. Why don’t you two show Amy the gardens. Take the rest of the day to explain to her what is happening and to come to terms with your new life.”

Cane felt like the entire planet lifted off his shoulders at the words of his commander. He closed his eyes, trying to ease the burning in them before he looked over the top of Amy’s head at Cole. His brother had the same look of relief and wonder in his eyes as a huge smile spread over his face.

“Will you join us?” Cole asked, moving his gaze back to Amy.

She nodded, rising from her seat. As they made their way to the door, he noticed that Amy avoided meeting his eyes. Had his actions in the cave frightened her, even though she was here willingly?

If she refused him, he would accept his fate. Cole would have the peace he needed to survive without him, and he would die with peace in his heart, knowing that his brother lived. He fell back a step, letting Cole lead Amy out of the housing building and into the gardens to the side. He glanced at how she held his brother's hand, remembering the feel of her soft skin on his chest.

Resignation filled him that she had made her choice.

Cole led them to the far end of the garden, where tall trees lined a narrow path. Colorful wildflowers filled the space around them, giving the air a sweet, floral scent.

They sat down on a wooden bench under a tall tree as Cane hung back, leaning against a tree a few feet away.

*****

Cole waited as Amy sat down, hating the feeling of pain and resignation that flowed from his brother. He was not going to give up. This female was theirs, and he would never let Cane take his own life just so he could live.

Amy glanced back, seeing Cane leaning against a tree behind them, but quickly averted her eyes back to their hands. Was she afraid of Cane? Did she not want him? Could that even be possible?

“Amy?” Cole asked in a low voice so not to frighten her.