“I don’t think you are ready to hear that answer,” he said, his tone low and gruff.
“Why?” I persisted, but he only shook his head.
I stared at him icily, ready to turn away, but he stopped me, his hand tangling in my hair. He pulled me toward him, his eyes blazing as he held my face to his.
“What did the Fates show you, Zara?” He asked again, his voice tight, the words laced with simmering anger he struggled to hold back. I glowered at him, my gaze flickering between his eyes and his lips.
“Nothing.” I lied again, my heart racing. I didn’t try to push him away, even though my hand pressed into the hard lines of his chest. My breath came out uneven, and a low growl seemed to come from deep in Xavier's chest. My lips parted, and I leaned forward.
His grip on my hair tightened, but he leaned away, his eyes searching mine as I stared back at him, unable to move or think.
“Liar,” he whispered again, his voice low and rough.
His lips crashed onto mine, the kiss fierce, almost desperate, as if he were claiming something that had always been his. He tasted like the darkest sin, his citrus scent filling my lungs as he tugged at my hair. My lips parted for him, and his tongue swept inside, tasting of whiskey and smoke. He tilted my head back, deepening the kiss as his other hand slid to my waist. His fingers burned through the thin fabric of my gown, pulling me closer as my nails dug into the hard muscles of his shoulders. The heat of him was intoxicating, and I craved the weight of him, the pressure of his body over mine.
As if he’d read my mind, he moved in one swift motion, positioning himself on top of me. His mouth devoured mine with a feverish urgency. I could feel the heat of his body, the hard planes of his chest pressing into me, and the undeniable pressure of his arousal through the thin fabric of his pants.
His hand, calloused yet gentle, left my hair, cradling my face in a tender touch. My heart thundered in my chest as his lips left mine, pulling away suddenly, leaving me gasping for air. His emerald eyes caught mine, his gaze searing. He roamed over my face, like he was memorizing every curve and every line.
Then, he kissed me again, but this time, it was different. The passion was still there, but now it was soft and reverent. His lips caressed mine, the kiss lingering longer and tasting sweeter, as if savoring the moment. He pulled away just enough to rest his forehead against mine, the warmth of his breath mingling with my own.
“You’re going to be the ruin of me,” he whispered, his voice rougher this time, laden with a dark promise that sank deep into my soul.
“Sleep,” Xavier ordered, his voice a haunting whisper, as the weight of his body lessened, and he turned away from me once more. His touch felt branded on my skin, my lips… and I didn’tmove as I processed what had just happened. I forced myself to turn over, but all I could feel, all I could think of, was him.
Chapter 31
Zara
When I woke, Xavier was already gone, and I couldn’t help but feel relieved. I wasn’t sure I could handle another encounter like the one last night. The mere memory made my stomach tighten and heat. How had that even happened? Did it happen? Or was it all just a dream?
The door swung open, and I jolted upright in bed.
“Dedra is awake,” Xavier announced, before turning sharply and striding down the hallway. He was fully clothed, his boots scuffing the floor as he turned, and I scrambled out of bed. Heart pounding, I hurried after him down the hall.
In the next room, Dedra was propped up in bed, pale but conscious. Jaxon lounged beside her, one leg stretched across the mattress, the other dangling lazily to the floor. As I entered, Xavier stood on the opposite side of her, his expression unreadable.
Dedra’s eyes met mine and grinned—shegrinned.
I couldn’t help but laugh as I moved to the foot of the bed, still staring at her. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you grin before,”I teased, and Dedra rolled her eyes, the corners of her mouth twitching upward again.
“Well, don’t get used to it,” she shot back, though a softer smile lingered. The bruises on her face had nearly faded, leaving only faint yellow traces behind.
“How are you feeling?” I asked, a nervous edge creeping into my voice.
“I imagine a lot better than you. Did you really encounter a Fate and a Vorrak?!” Her tone shifted, eyes sharpening with curiosity.
Xavier’s head snapped down toward her, a low disapproving growl escaping his throat, but Dedra paid him no mind.
“Apparently.” I sighed, casting a quick glance at Xavier before meeting Dedra’s gaze again.
Dedra caught the movement, her gaze flicking between us before her lips curved into a slow, knowing grin. Whatever she was about to say was cut off when Jaxon nudged her ribs with his elbow.
“We’ll have plenty of time to catch up on the road,” Jaxon remarked smoothly. “We’ve only got two weeks before the meeting with the witches.”
Xavier flinched, and I felt my breath hitch. “You’ve heard from her?” I asked, my voice tight.
Dedra smacked Xavier’s leg from her spot on the bed. “You didn’t tell her about the letter?” she hissed, narrowing her eyes at him in accusation.
