Avelina's breath caught at his words, and she immediately began to cough—she had choked on her own saliva. The waiter moved, but Zauriel calmly took the glass of water and handed it to her. Avelina took it and gulped it down. Zauriel moved closer, his large hands rubbing her back gently in a circular motion.
"Careful, puffin," he spoke emotionlessly. Avelina's body shivered softly at his touch as his hand circled her back. He took the glass from her and placed it on the table beside her.
The fact that he was acting so normal, as if he hadn't just said one of the most abnormal things ever, surprised her more than she cared to admit.
Who knew that man had never been the one meant to marry her—he had only been following orders.
But shouldn't she be happy? She would be marrying a man she was familiar with.
No, she couldn't.
