Chapter 24

24. A Breeze In Comparison YILEYNA 1 stared at the wooden ceiling of my cabin, the events from earlier replaying in my mind. I could hear the faint sound of the sea from outside, the sway of the ship. I wasn’t sure what time it was, but I knew I had been lying here awake for hours.

Charlene had been absolutely fuming earlier, and as much as I loved her, I needed to be alone. The way he threw me overboard... the way he said if I died, I’d be one less burden... I felt the trickle of tears seep from my eyes, but I refused to blink or give in to them. His words had hurt more than him throwing me into the water... 1 Rolling onto my side, I placed my hand under my head and sighed heavily. I hated that he did that ... Theon was... He was right, he wasn’t the type of man I should ever fall in love with.

This crush... or infatuation with him, blinded me. But that dip in the sea, well it opened my eyes to the fact that Theon was borderline unhinged or something.

Was looking for a distraction from one pain, worth risking myself getting hurt in another way?

No, it wasn’t.

I knew the answer to that, and I hated it. But there was just something about Theon that consumed me. 1 I closed my eyes, trying to let sleep overcome me, but no matter what I tried, I couldn’t. I remembered the water enveloping me and then I remembered how the panic that had filled me when he had tossed me into the water seemed to vanish. The cold had probably made my mind go numb... It had been strange, but I had felt... at peace. 1 When Theon had wrapped his arm around me in the water, he had been so cold, but I didn’t even feel it. Yet when we were on deck, I had felt the cold... strange... There was something about the water...

I sat up, pushing off the blanket that covered me and slipped out of bed. Unlocking my door, I slipped out of my room. The two guards outside of Charlene’s door glanced at me, I just gave them a small nod before I headed up to the deck. It was cold and I was only wearing a white cami and shorts. Wishing I had grabbed something to wear on top, I wrapped my arms around myself and silently made my way to the opposite side to where I could see Leto at the helm, not wanting to run into anyone.

I looked over the side of the ship, staring at the black abyss below.

Why had I felt that odd pull earlier? “You really shouldn’t be so close to the edge, Yileyna.” Raiden’s voice came, startling me, I spun around.

He gave me a small smile and removing his jacket, he placed it around my shoulder, instantly reminding me of the time Theon had given me his iacket Why did everything remind me of him?

I smiled back at him, his scent enveloping me, it was pleasant, but it didn’t consume me.

“You’re right, or Theon may just get his wish.” I joked lightly, looking out at the river.

I saw him frown as he leaned on the edge, looking over. “That was beyond crazy of him.”

We fell silent, and I slowly stepped back to the edge, resting my arms on the side and looked out.

“Hmm.” I nodded.

I was angry at him too. Maybe I should spank his damn ass. I smirked at the thought, but it faded away. There was no humour in it. What he did was wrong... I sighed, feeling Raiden watching me. 3 “Yileyna, can I ask you something?” “You already just did.” I replied, glancing into his blue eyes.

He smirked.

“Then let me rephrase. May I ask the beautiful maiden a few more?”

I smiled.

“Yes, you may, kind sir.” I joked. He chuckled, turning, leaning back against the side, resting his elbows on the edge as he looked at me sharply, as if not wanting to miss my reaction. “What’s the relationship between you and Theon?”

My heart thundered as I looked at him sharply. Although I did think he was going to ask something about Theon, I wasn’t expecting something so straight up... “The relationship between us?” I looked at the dark water thoughtfully. “There isn’t one, he’s just helped me a few times.”

“Helped?” He didn’t seem convinced.

And hurt me too.

But I didn’t say that. Theon came with a warning. He told me from the start that he’d only hurt me...

“More than once, but he saved me from two men who tried to assault me. I know it’s no excuse for what he did, but it’s complicated.” I said, my stomach twisting, I felt cold at the memory.

His eyes flashed, and he stood up straight. “Who were they?” He asked coldly.

“Relax, I’m fine...and it doesn’t matter...” I reassured him, sighing as I looked out at the water again. It’s not like they’d be punished. “Theon has always made it clear who he is... I just...” “Do you have feelings for him?”

My heart thundered and I looked up at him. Our eyes met and his returned to their normal blue. I brushed my hair back, praying I looked unbothered.

“No, of course not.”

He gave me a half-smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He didn’t believe me.

“I don’t want you to get hurt, Yileyna. You deserve so much more. Don’t ever feel like you have no one. Charlene, myself, and my family. If you need us, we will be there for you.” 1 “I know, and you don’t need to worry, I’m not in love with Theon or anything. I just...” I sighed, smiling slightly. “It’s complicated huh..? Just know I’m here.” He reached over, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

His fingers ran gently through my hair, his touch was the opposite of Theon’s.

I wish I could be attracted to someone like Raiden; he was handsome, charming, and caring... but there was no pull or that thing that made me feel light-headed. No adventure of what might happen next, no excitement of the unknown. Raiden was like a gentle breeze on a summer night, whilst Theon was a storm at sea, ready to destroy all in his wake and consume me...

There was something wrong with me that drew me to someone like him, but I couldn’t help it.

“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” I said, smiling at him.

I wouldn’t give false hopes. I wasn’t looking for a safety net, I was looking for adventure, something that would devour me entirely. As much as I knew Theon was an utter dick, he was the only one who made me feel that way.

“I’m going to head inside.” I added looking at Raiden. “Thanks for tonight.”

“Anytime, I mean it.” He winked at me and I turned away, pausing I slid the jacket off and held it out to him. He took it and I could tell he wanted to say something, but instead, he simply smiled. “Goodnight, Yileyna.”

“Night night, Raiden.” I replied before I walked away.

I was almost at the steps to go below deck when I sensed being watched. My heart thundered, I knew who it was. I could feel his burning gaze upon me, even if I couldn’t see or hear him.

Well, if he thought I was just going to brush what he did under the rug, he had another thing coming. I was attracted to him, but I’m not stupid.

Tomorrow I am going to get revenge, consequences be damned.?