“I gotta ask. Have you ever mistaken one of the brothers for your husband?” Amaya quickly asks, effortlessly shifting the conversation to a much lighter topic.
“You would think, would you? But no. Souls have a way of knowing one another, and ours are like two pieces cut from the same cloth. Besides, he’s like a half inch taller than the other two,” she adds with a wink.
The three of us laugh so hard that we don’t even notice when the men step back into the room.
“What’s so funny?” Ion asks before bending down to kiss his wife.
I wasn’t sure about the three Leaders of the Seas, as they go by, but after the night with them and Danielle, I understand why Ryder wanted to seek out their allegiance. We may have a common enemy, but we also all want the same thing.
Peace.
Chapter 31
Ryder
Her in that dress is going to be the death of me. I have got to get a grip before she catches me staring again. But a man only has so much self-control, and she looks like she belongs on an altar meant to be worshiped.
I wonder if she realizes just how captivating she is. Knowing her, she probably thinks of herself as invisible next to someone like Danielle, but she would be very wrong about that. Of course, Danielle is beautiful and lively, but she’s no Reign. Even without the dress, Reign could bring any man to his knees with just one glimpse of her smile. Her power is undeniably dangerous, but so is that smile. She’s a weapon of all sorts, and if I’m not careful, I’ll get caught in the crossfire.
“Miss Calloway, would you care to join me on the balcony? The view of the Infinite Sea from here at night is one you don’t want to miss,” Nio asks her with an outstretched hand.
“You’re speaking my language,” she responds with that deadly smile, taking his hand.
The two of them step out onto the balcony and out of view. I shouldn’t mind, but I can’t keep myself from looking every five seconds to see if they’re coming back.
Maybe I should just go join them.
I’m about to make my move when Ion turns his attention to me. “So, Ryder. How would you guys like to go out on one of our ships tomorrow? If we’re going to be allies, then I think you all should see what we’ve built here.”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea.” We toast to it, and when I turn back to the balcony, I’m relieved to see they’ve returned. However, that relief is quickly replaced with annoyance when I see his hand on the small of her back as a way of guiding her.
What is wrong with me? I don’t get jealous, and she’s not mine to be territorial of, anyway. If anyone has that right, it’s Damien. It’s only a matter of time before those two find their way back to each other. It’s so poetic it almost makes me sick.
“Alright,” Ion announces, standing up from the table. “Dinner was amazing, but we have an early meeting in the morning on one of the other islands, so we have to get going.”
“Of course,” I say, reaching my hand out. “Thank you for your hospitality. We look forward to seeing the rest of your home tomorrow.”
“What are we doing tomorrow?” Nio asks.
“I told him we should take a ship out and show them around a bit.”
“A ship?” Reign squeals. “That would be amazing! I’ve never seen one, let alone been on one!”
“Well then, you’re in for a treat,” Nio promises with a grin I’d give just about anything to wipe off. I suppose that wouldn’t be very king-like of me, though.
“See you all tomorrow,” Zaro bids with a wave.
“I really like them!” Reign chimes to Amaya once they’re gone.
“I’m sure you do.” I don’t hide the disdain, and it earns me a confused glare from both of them.
“If you’ll excuse us.” Danielle stands up and irons out her dress with her hands. “My brother and I have much to catch up on. We’ll see you guys in the morning.”
The two of them slip off into another room, leaving me with the two twisted sisters.
“You know what? I’m awfully tired. I think I’m gonna call it an early night.” Amaya adds a fake yawn to sell it, but I don’t think Reign is buying it either. She’s setting us up to be left alone, I just don’t know why. Does Reign have something she needs to tell me? Whatever the reason is, I can tell Reign wants to follow her, but she doesn’t.
“What were you ladies talking about out here before?”
