Sebastian looked so tranquil lying there, and I wondered if sleep was the only time he truly felt at peace. If I could take the pain of his past and place it in my own soul, I would. I’d remove all the horrible memories from his brain and harbor them within mine.
His eyes fluttered open, brightening when they saw me. “Good morning,” he said groggily, his voice coarse.
I couldn't help but grin. “Good morning.”
He rolled to his side to face me, reaching a finger out to stroke my chin. “Did you sleep okay?”
I nodded. “You?”
“Best I have in a while.”
My cheeks flushed. He stared at me for a while, absorbing me like I had just done to him, before placing a light kiss on my lips.
“Does this mean you're going to let me train you again?” he asked when he pulled back to yawn and rub his eyes.
“I don't know how much training we’d get done.” I giggled.
“That may be a good thing. You need a break.”
“Fine.” I sighed. When it came to him, it didn't take much for me to surrender.
“Good. Your first instruction is to take a week off.” He rolled on top of me, planting a kiss on my nose. “We’ll keep it on the down low, no one has to know if you don't want them to.”
“Are you talking about training or about you and I?” I teased.
His face turned serious. “Both, I guess. If you don't want anyone knowing about this, then that's your choice and I'll respect it.”
I pushed my hand on his chest and he backed up a bit so that I could sit up on his lap. His arms wrapped around me, supporting me from behind. “It's not that.” I shook my head. “I'm pretty sure Sawyer and Kohen have an idea about what's going on with us, anyway. And Pia knew I liked you before I even did.”
“She's too good.” Sebastian shook his head in amazement.
“I'm just worried about what will happen if your father finds out.”
“Screw him.”
I flaunted the worry in my eyes. “What if he just sees us as a distraction to each other? He could choose to give me to Draemor if he thinks I'm not going to be useful to him anymore.”
His voice was stern. “Remember when I told you that I wouldn't let anything happen to you?”
I bit my lip. How could I forget?
“I meant that to the very depths of my soul. I know youdon't need me to, but I will always protect you against anyone, or anything. Including my father.”
My heart very literally melted at his words. I leaned up and kissed him softly. I loved him. Eventually I’d tell him that, but not yet. I'd already poured enough of myself out and didn't want to overwhelm him.
My lips reluctantly pulled from his and found themselves instantly missing the feel of his mouth, but I had something I needed to take care of.
“Where are you going?” He raised a brow as I climbed out of bed.
Knowing that I had the day free of wielding and therefore, puking, I stated, “To the kitchen. I’m fucking starving.”
Chapter
Thirty
Chaos surrounded me.
In the courtyard of the castle, I stood alone aside from the statues that circled me. Unsettling screams of cruel agony circulated the air. The inescapable smell of burning flesh filled my nostrils as I spun around, absorbing the massacre before me.
