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I gathered my composure, refusing to let him fluster me further. “We better. Can’t have you dragging us down,” I teased back boldly. “I hope you can keep up.”
His smile widened at my show of spirit. “I look forward to seeing your moves firsthand,” he replied smoothly. “But don’t underestimate me. I enjoy... surprising people.”
The sternness of his words caught me off guard, sending a shiver down my spine. I narrowed my eyes at him, a smirk tugging at my lips. “You better watch yourself, Rhys. You might just find that you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.”
I took a step back instinctively as Rhys advanced, but my shoulders met the cold stone wall behind me. He moved closer, leaving only a hand’s breadth between us. There was nowhere left to retreat—and given the chance, I honestly wouldn’t want to.
Rhys reached out and pressed a palm against the wall just above my shoulder. He leaned in, his chiseled features silhouetted by the flickering torchlight. This close, his earthy, sandalwood scent enveloped me.
“Or maybe,” he murmured, his voice low and resonant, “I’ll discover that we make a perfect team.”
My heart jolted into a wild gallop, all too aware of his powerful form mere inches from mine. The heat radiating from him was intoxicating. This breathtaking creature had me pinned in place without even touching me.
Time seemed to slow, each second stretching, taut with tension. My lips parted slightly as I tilted my face up towards his. So close, I could see flecks of amber ringing his intense dark irises.
Rhys lingered a moment more, his gaze dropping briefly to my mouth before meeting my eyes again. A small, sensual smile curved his lips. Then he withdrew, the space between us feeling suddenly cavernous. I drew in a shaky breath as he turned away, my skin still humming from his nearness.
Something about his suggestive tone made my pulse quicken. Just who was this Rhys Greystone, with his disarming charm and air of mystery? I had a feeling trying to keep up with him would prove delightfully challenging in ways I couldn’t yet imagine.
CHAPTER9
Sera
The bare treesclawed at the fading December twilight as I hurried up the forlorn forest path, my boots echoing on frosty stones. The note from Rhys had been cryptic, requesting I meet him in the old cloister ruins nestled deep in these misty hills. His invitation set my nerves on edge even as it quickened my pulse. We had barely spoken since the ball announcement, both of us unsure about how to navigate the growing attraction simmering below the surface. Perhaps tonight would bring clarity.
At last, the crumbling structure emerged, a weathered sentinel against the night’s encroaching darkness. I slipped through the creaking oak door, my breath pluming in the chilled interior. Muffled flames flickered at the top of a narrow spiral staircase winding into shadows. Rhys was here, and he was waiting.
My hand trailed along the worn rail, each step ratcheting up the butterflies in my stomach. What would I find at the top? The warped wooden door groaned softly as I eased it open. Instant warmth spilled out to envelop me. I blinked, eyes adjusting to the firelit circular chamber within.
This was an old stone watchtower, the soaring ceiling lost to darkness overhead. Narrow windows gazed out over the slumbering forest, the icy stars above it mirrored brightly within. Heavy beams divided the space, adorned with iron lanterns that lent a cozy glow to the sparse furnishings. An old sofa, a table set with crystal and silver... this place held Rhys’ stamp all over it.
My gaze fell at last to the hearth, flames dancing merrily across weathered bricks. And there lounged Rhys himself, though not as I’d met him last time. Tonight he wore the form that had first saved me from the falling gargoyle so many nights ago.
I drank in the striking vision he presented, his chiseled features gilded by firelight. Dark curling horns swept back from his temples, the strong line of his jaw contrasting elegantly with the sensual fullness of his lips, now curled slightly in a smile meant only for me. Rhys was gorgeous in his human form, but as a gargoyle he was devastating—his raw physicality stealing the breath from my lungs.
“You came.” His voice was a satisfied rumble as he unfolded smoothly from the floor to cross the room in long, easy strides. My heart stuttered as he took both my hands in his formidable clawed ones.
His sole touch shot a thrill through my core and between my legs. “Of course,” I managed, my heart beating wildly in my chest. Clearing my throat, I gestured to the lavish dinner arranged on crystal and silver. “Quite the spread you’ve prepared.”
Sensing my unease, in a swirl of efficient motion, Rhys transferred our meal to the lush Aubusson rug by the fireplace, instantly creating a cozy picnic, sheltered from the cold seeping through ancient stones. Tension eased from my frame as we chatted and laughed through dinner, guards lowered in the firelit haven.
Afterward, pleasantly full, I sank onto the worn velvet sofa while Rhys retrieved a bottle of amber liquid. “Brandy, to ward off the chill?” He conjured a dancing flame in his palm with casual elegance, and I sighed, mesmerized by his mastery over the element. Rhys’ crooked grin told me my admiration pleased him.
Settling beside me, he shyly mentioned a new bard band he’d discovered. He drew out his phone and offered me an earbud so we could listen together. I scooted closer, all too aware of him as we shared the headphones. His earthy scent enveloped me, mixing dizzyingly with the wine and brandy. I fought the urge to run my fingers along his stony arm, battling my body’s traitorous instincts.
The haunting music washed over me, perfectly suiting this bewitching boy who so consumed my thoughts. I glanced up to find Rhys watching me intently, eyes burning with mirrored longing. He slowly lifted a hand to cup my cheek, talons whisper-soft against my skin. I shivered, lost in fathomless obsidian pools.
“You are so beautiful,” he rasped fervently.
My lips parted, breath coming faster. We hovered on the brink of something dangerous and irresistible.
“Everything I need is right here in your eyes,” he murmured, his smoldering gaze tracing my features as though committing them to memory.
His words wrapped around me like a warm caress, kindling an exhilarating fire in my core. I leaned into his touch, soaking in his warmth and silently inviting more.
“Rhys...” His name escaped me like a plea. “I can’t keep pretending there’s nothing between us.”
His heated gaze dropped to my mouth. “I too am done with pretenses,” he agreed, voice rough with barely leashed desire. His hand slid to my nape, and he began drawing me inexorably closer. My eyelids fluttered shut in anticipation.
