I meant it as a joke.
He didn’t smile.
Instead, his gaze went to my wings, his lips twisting to the side. “Unfortunately, no. But we’re going to figure this out, Lay.” He looked at me, his expression earnest. “We’re going to find out how you Fell, and we’re going to fix it.”
My heart skipped a beat in my chest.
He believes me, I realized.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to smile or cry. Maybe both.
So rather than say anything, or allow him to witness my reaction, I just nodded and gingerly moved off the bed. He would assume that all I cared about right now was a hot shower and would think nothing more of my reaction.
It was a much safer thought for us both. One that protected me and my heart. And prevented him from ruining what was otherwise a very moving moment.
Auric finally believed me.
For the first time since he arrived at my room, I felt a spark of hope. Not just for my predicament, but for my heart as well.
Maybe there was a chance for us after all.
Assuming we surpassed whatever trials my uncle had in store for us next.
You want to test my will to survive, dear uncle of mine?I thought, glancing up at the bathroom ceiling.Well, I’ll be ready for you when you do.
Because now I knew how the game was played.
Kill or be killed.
Do or die.
I choose to fly.
22
Layla
Several Days Later
Masculine tones stirredme to awareness.
Warm. Sexy. Deep.
I nearly moaned, my stomach clenching with a need so fierce that I considered slipping my hand between my thighs to alleviate the ache mounting inside me.
But that would only make it worse.
Andtheywould know.
Sharing a bed with two virile, compatible mates was its own kind of hell. It didn’t matter that they slept on top of the sheet—while I slept beneath it—or that the mattress was large enough for us to sprawl out without really touching.
Because every night I dreamt of them.
Vividly.
In the nude.
And each time, I purred.
