“I think he did this on purpose, or even if it was an accident, I don’t think he really cares. You all don’t want me to go home for some reason, but you don’t know how it feels to be in my situation. I liked my life in the human realm. I liked having a business. I liked having purpose. I’m just sitting here. Sex and baking can’t be all I contribute. How long can this last? I don’t want to be a kept woman or have to worry I could get found out or you get tired of me.”
He kissed my neck, and I leaned into him, comforted by his closeness. “Did you know that Yosef sends me back to check in on your business? We will make sure it won’t fail. It’s only been two days there. I got to your place and watered your plants. Glamoured anyone who asked about you, so no one knows you’re missing right now. They won’t worry.”
“So.”
“So, if he didn’t ever want you to return, he wouldn’t care about maintaining your life in the human world. He’s keeping it ready for you to return with little upset in the meantime. Although, I hope that meantime is forever.”
Well, that made sense. Only it was weird he never told me. “Why did he keep this from me?”
“I don’t know, darling. And you can text your friends and employees, and I’ll take your phone through the portal, and the signal will go through. Tell them you’re on vacation and not to worry.”
I spun around excitedly. I could message them the truth in some kind of coded way. One of Billie’s guys was a human realm fae, but there was still a possibility that he could have a connection to get through the portal and get me out. I’d never tell Xander that. Instead, I needed to know why he was willing to be kind enough to risk me communicating with my friends. “Why would you let me do this? Maybe it’s a backup option for when you get sick of me?”
Xander scrunched his face, almost looking pained. This was new. Had my question hurt his feelings? “Despite Yosef’s care for your human world, I’m not letting you leave. He claimed you, but so did I.”
Ugh, the conflict. I had longed to be desired and cherished, and I had that, but I did not want to be trapped. I would break Xander’s heart if I left, and that made my own heart twinge with sadness. He had been so vulnerable, and I kept talking about leaving him. Still, he was also my captor. I couldn’t forget that this was no vacation, and they were doing the least to get me home. I had to be strong.
I stroked his cheek, and his face relaxed. “You know you can’t keep me here forever, and I don’t want my friends to worry. I do want to send that text.”
He kissed the palm of my hand, seeming satisfied. “Get your phone, then.”
I nodded, moving away from him. I had turned it off to preserve the battery, but I was sure if it was dead, Xander was savvy enough to get it charged. I typed in my text, fully expecting Xander to read it. I let Billie know that I took a mental escape to New York to hang with a cousin. I only had one cousin from my mom’s side that I really knew, and he was almost as close to me as Billie. I hadn’t met him until after high school, but we instantly bonded when he reached out to me, stating he’d been looking for me for years. I’d have to text him, too.
It seemed like the days moved as slow as weeks here. So, if I stated I’d be gone a week by the human realm, that could be about a month more here. I couldn’t imagine being here that much longer, but at least that would give my friends and employees an end time to know to come looking for me if I didn’t show up at home or work.
When I came back to the kitchen, Xander was still there, this time with Yosef. Instantly, my hopeful mood soured. I didn’t acknowledge the other fae and gave Xander my phone. He didn’t look at it. Instead, he stuffed it in his pocket and kissed me on the cheek before stating he’d head right over to send it.
I turned around to go back to my room, but Yosef called my name. I spun around, giving him the middle finger in greeting but not speaking.
Clearly, he was used to my hostile charm because he wasn’t even phased. “There’s a royal court summer ball in a few days. I’d like for you to go.”
I crossed my arms. Why was he now open to letting me out again? What was the catch? “What’s the deal? You offering me a little party to go to so I might forgive you for claiming me without my permission? Think I’m that easy?”
Okay, I did love getting dressed up for a little shindig, and getting to be around high society might give me an inside connection to the portal. Who knew who I could make nice with who was not about trapping me like a caged bird.
Yosef sighed. He actually did look a little miserable, but I wouldn’t let his sad puppy dog eyes sway me. “This was just the beginning of my peace offering. I realize that it won’t make up for anything. I just thought you would like to see the court.”
I narrowed my eyes. This was a big change of heart. He had to know I would take advantage of this opportunity to get the hell out. “I thought you said it would be dangerous for me to be out, especially around the court.”
He nodded, leaning against the kitchen counter. “People have already seen you and are talking about the beautiful woman Xander almost killed a man for. Because Xander is a lieutenant, there are already court questions. And with you glamoured and claimed, no one will suspect what you really are. Even if they do, you are under my protection.”
I rubbed my chin in thought. That sounded reasonable, and I was curious. Maybe if they thought I was fae, despite what Yosef believed, there could be a chance they would approve my return home. I could say I was a human realm fae there for a visit but needed to get home for an emergency. Yeah, that could work! “I don’t have a dress.”
“I’ll have some dresses brought in for you to pick from.”
“I still hate you.”
He frowned and raised his hand as if he wanted to touch me before dropping it at his side again. His familiar coldness washed over his face again. “That’ll change now that you’re claimed.”
Oh, the bastard was cocky. I would never give in. Never.
CHAPTER16
LILA
Afew days later, I found myself walking into a castle straight out of a fairy tale. Nothing in town looked even remotely like it. The castle was looming and black against the navy-blue sky, peppered with bright stars. It sat high on a hill overlooking the town. Floating orbs of light lit the enormous driveway full of sleek cars.
I looked around me as fae of every type walked toward the palace's double doors. Some were tall, others short. Some looked human, others were blue or purple. There were fae with fangs, four arms, wings. It was magically diverse, and everyone was dressed to be seen.
