I can’t help the laugh that bubbles out of me. I slam a hand over my mouth to stop it. “Stop. That’s awful!”
Jax’s smile softens. “Then why are you smiling?”
I giggle. “No, I’m sorry you got poisoned. But I’m also so impressed with Lyra. How old was she?”
“Sixteen.”
Another laugh bursts out of me.
Jax watches me with a twinkle in his eye. Once I’m done laughing, he says, “You see. I’m used to powerful women trying to kill me.”
I scoff and roll my eyes. But a smile still lingers on my lips.
Jax tucks his chin. “Ready for bed?”
With a yawn, I nod and curl up on top of the fur, close to the fire. A moment later, Jax joins me with two more fur blankets. They’re heavy on top of me. I’m warm from the fire and the furs. I don’t think I need Jax’s body warmth to sleep tonight.
I don’t voice that thought.
As he settles next to me, I wiggle closer to him. And as he wraps his arms around me, his hard chest against my back, I close my eyes.
There’s no world or scenario in which it doesn’t end in a tragedy.Kazh’s words echo somewhere in the corner of my mind.
I know this is wrong. So fucking bad, on so many levels. To allow him so close, to lean on him for support.
I know it’s inappropriate for me as the Ezkai General. Deep in my gut, I know Kazh’s words are true.
I revel in the warmth of his strong body, the sense of security his arm wrapped around my waist provides. It makes me feel alive that Jax’s scent lingers on me after we wake up. That I get to smell him on me for the rest of the day as we travel.
I’m intoxicated with the sense of his heart beating over mine in my chest. That I always feel this tether lingering between us, keeping us close.
I’d never admit he makes me feel any of this.
It’s wrong.
It’s dangerous.
And it will only end in a tragedy.
But I can’t help it.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
PHOENIX
When I open my eyes the next morning, the bright light peeks through the cave mouth, illuminating it.
I yawn, and rub my eyes. Jax’s warm body is still next to me. His hand rests heavy over my waist. Carefully, I roll over. He looks so at peace when he sleeps. So innocent.
His warm breath tickles my forehead every time he exhales through his nose. The outside light barely reaches us here at the back of the cave, so I can’t see him too well. Still, my eyes roam greedily over his features while I have a chance.
It’s indulgent. The tips of my fingers itch to reach out and touch that alabaster skin, sharp cheekbones, and those long, thick eyelashes.
Since the moment we met, I hated him. Judged him. I created an image of him in my head, a soulless thug with no morals or remorse, only looking out for himself. Even as he proved himself and his loyalty, I refused to drop the image. Refused to see him for who he truly is.
Jax inhales sharply, and his arm around me tightens, pulling me closer in his embrace. We’re so close, his veryobvioushardness presses against my lower belly. Flames erupt deep inside me.
Slowly, he blinks his eyes open. When he realizes he’s looking at my face and not the back of my head, he frowns.
