He darted a quick grin of thanks at her, and her fingers lingered at his temple.
Oh, gods.
Marcus's eyes, Marcus's mind, so damn different from Seth's.
And she so wanted to kiss him right now. So strong a wave of need that it felt like a biological imperative.
He raised his hand to hers, stroking her fingertips, eyes intent on hers.
Oh, Gods.
He was closer now. So close. Too close. His mouth was -
She pulled away. "I can't - Marcus, I can't -"
He was immediately contrite. "Jessa, I'm sorry - did I read you wrong? I was certain that you wanted-"
"I did." Oh, Marcus. Swift wit and strong heart. "I do. I - I can't."
"Why not?"
"Seth," she whispered. "I'm Seth's girl."
"You're your own girl, Jess."
She shook her head. "I know. I didn't mean to make it sound like that."
He put his hand on hers. "And being 'Seth's girl' - means you can't be my girl, too?"
She closed her eyes, very aware of the warmth of his hand - and of the increased access to his emotions that the physical contact was giving her. That he was deliberately giving her. "Yes. It does."
"Is that what you want?"
"I've always been Seth's girl. He - he's my best friend." I will always be Seth's girl, she knew in her heart, and knew that he felt it. I've never not been with him. And he'd never, never...
Gods. What do I do?
Seth is Fenris; he has taken the name Fenris at this point, but Jessa never calls him that. He's always been her Seth.
Yes, these are Capri's parents.
Poor Jessa.
I am verra tired. Have passed the quarter-way point, though. Lunchtime now.
