“No,” she replied at once. “Nothing like that. I didn’t — I guess I was trying to fool myself. I wanted to believe that I didn’t care about you, because it seemed wrong to admit I had feelings for a djinn. It was only when we got here, and I realized I’d have to walk away and leave you behind, that I figured it out. I was being a clueless jerk, and I’m sorry.”
Still he didn’t move, and cold worry darted through her. Very likely, this was all too little, too late. Maybe once upon a time he’d wanted her, but after she’d played with his emotions, made it look as though she was going to walk out on him forever —
“You were being a jerk,” Nasim said at last. However, the hard note was gone from his voice, and he almost smiled. “I think I understand why, though.” He moved closer to her, his fin
