Falling for Forever Read Online Free Page A

stomach."
    Bryn's body tensed angrily. "Don't mention my stomach ever again," she growled.
    Mariah was visibly stunned. "What?"
    "If you have your secrets, I feel no need to tell you mine," she said with venom. Her anger could have meant a beating, but it didn't matter. Mariah had crossed a line that even Franklin had learned to leave alone.
    "You had two marks on your stomach. May I ask about either one?"
    Bryn shook her head and moved away from Mariah.
    "I am sorry that I tried to pry into your life, Bryn. I had no right."
    "No, you didn't," Bryn said coldly.
    "Will you ever forgive me?" Bryn shrugged. "What will it take for you to walk next to me?"
    "Another apology. This time, I want you to apologize for using a harsh tone with me."
    Mariah stopped walking, and they faced each other. "How about an apology and five silver coins?"
    Bryn cocked her head to the side. "You want to pay me to walk next to you?"
    Mariah shook her head. "I would like to give you five silver coins so that when we get to town, you may buy whatever you want, and if you need more, please come ask me."
    Bryn nodded. "And my apology?"
    "I am sorry for being harsh with you. My anger was in no way your fault, and I should not have done it. I am very sorry and hope for your forgiveness." Mariah handed her a small black bag with the coins in it.
    "Thank you. I accept your apology and am sorry for being angry with you as well." They nodded and smiled at each other. "Shall we continue?"
    Mariah looked down at Bryn's wrists as they walked. "Where are your bandages?"
    She shrugged. "Probably by the river. They got itchy."
    Mariah laughed. "The itching means they were healing. The sores look much better though." She looked down at her wrists too and nodded. The redness had faded into a soft pink, and they barely hurt anymore.
    "That cream is very good."
    Mariah nodded. "Some friends make that for me."
    Bryn smiled at Mariah, but it quickly diminished as her ears picked up the sounds of town. Bryn gulped nervously as they continued walking toward the small group of buildings. Mariah looked down at her and spoke softly in her ear, "No one here will hurt you, Bryn. You have my word on that."
    Bryn nodded, but Mariah's words did little to ease her fears.
    Mariah led her into town, and almost immediately, the whispers started. The townspeople weren't mean; most had just never seen a Strytas before. Her wings were the instant topic, though as people stared at the stubs, Bryn became self-conscious and hugged them close to her body in a futile attempt to hide them. As they continued walking through the town, she gave up and ignored them all. Mariah led her to a small stone building with a bright cherry wood door.
    "The woman inside is named Angie. She'll help you. Buy whatever you want. I'll come find you. I have some things to get."
    Bryn nodded and watched her go. A few of the men near her began staring hungrily at her. Bryn rolled her eyes and quickly escaped into the shop. The attention was flattering but also deeply terrifying, especially without Mariah by her side. The shop wiped away her fears with bright dresses and the smell of chamomile.
    It was only one room, but in that one room hung more dresses than Bryn had ever seen. A plump middle-aged woman sat behind the counter reading a book. Bryn walked up to her and cleared her throat softly. The woman didn't respond. "Angie?" Bryn tried again.
    "Look around. If you find something you like, let me know," the woman replied impatiently without looking up.
    "May I have some help?"
    Angie raised her eyes and her mouth instantly fell open. "I… I… I…" she stuttered. The woman gulped nervously. "Are you a real Strytas?"
    Bryn chuckled and nodded. "Would you like to touch them?"
    Angie nodded and Bryn flexed a wing into Angie's open hand. She touched the feather in awe.
    "Well, I'll be damned. A real live Strytas right here in my little shop. So what can I do for you dear?"
    Angie quickly stood and went to the door.