Page 111 of Her Ivory Flame

Every part of her felt like she was on fire, Kaden’s hold around her body now making her aware of just how sensitive she was to him after last night.

No nightmares awoke her during the night, and she was currently curled into him, her back pressed against his warm chest. The best feeling was his arms caged around her and his breath tickled the back of her neck, giving her goosebumps all down her body.

He stirred behind her and pressed a kiss to the back of her neck making her suck in a breath.

“No nightmare?” he asked with a groggy tone.

“No nightmare.” she answered back but didn’t roll over to look at him like she typically did.

Her stomach was instantly in knots thinking about their interaction last night and she was too nervous to look at him. Thatfeeling of him pressing against her and his lips so close to hers, it made her insides heat just thinking about it. Color was rushing to her face, she could feel it and she would avoid his stare for as long as she could.

They laid there for a few minutes, his hand tracing up and down her arm gently and she could feel her heart beating against her chest. Every nerve in her body was on alert and when he kissed the back of her shoulder again, she almost lost her composure.

Footsteps could be heard from the hall and he reluctantly pulled away from her, his head turning towards the door as he snapped into his protective stance.

Someone was standing outside of it, but waited a solid minute before knocking. Letting out an irritated groan, Kaden shuffled himself off the bed and opened the door a little, not enough for whoever it was to see around him.

“I was told to invite your entire company to breakfast in the dining hall. It will be served in an hour and Oak said not to be late.”

She could hear a female's voice but he was blocking her view to see if she was in the same attire from last night.

Kaden just nodded and she heard footsteps go back down the hall.

“Stay here,” he said, his head turning to look at her. “I will go inform the others."

“I’ll be here,” she said casually, not sure how to act this morning.

The door opened a short time later and she turned her head to see Kaden casually walking in, his eyes instantly to her.

Every nerve in her body went on alert, his eyes slowly gazing down her body even though she was fully clothed. Slow steps towards her made her skin prickle and when he slowly maneuvered across the bed to her, her breathing stopped.

“How are you feeling this morning?” His voice was filled with hesitation and she didn’t know how to take it.

“I’m not sure.” her voice shaking as she spoke. “Still tired I guess.”

“I thought you didn’t have any nightmares?” worry lining his voice.

“I didn’t.” she shrugged, “just a lot going on the last couple of days and it must just be catching up to me.”

It took all she had not to want to crawl into his lap and make him hold her all day. Unfortunately she had other responsibilities and needed to get her power back at whatever cost.

She just smiled and started to get up and ready for the day, her mind racing but she kept her outside composure in hopes he didn’t pick up on her current erratic feelings.

Chapter 42

Tension could be felt from everyone as they walked down the hallway while a guard escorted them through the mansion to the dining area.

Raine was walking next to her with the men forming a protective circle around them. Even the other males knew this place was eerie, and she was thankful to have all of them with her on this trip.

Taking too many turns for her to follow, they wound around different hallways and a few sets of stairs before they finally turned to see a long table lined with silverware and covered food platters.

Her eyes quickly left the table and noticed the servants standing behind the chairs, her power flickering at her fingers at the sight.

All the females were wearing the same risqué outfits the maiden had on the night before and two males wearing tight shortsamongst them. All had iron collars fit to their necks and her stomach instantly felt sick.

She glanced at Raine who was just as shocked as she was, their arms linked together as they came to a halt just inside the door. She pulled at her cotton long-sleeved shirt and suddenly felt like she wasn’t covered enough.

“Welcome.” Oak said from the head of the table. “Please sit.