Page 138 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

His hands catch my wrists firmly. “Wait.”

I still. Mortification pulses through me. Did I read him wrong?

No.

Rian’s eyes are silver pools with streaks of blue and purple, swirling with desire and restraint. He wants this, too. I know he does.

“I forgot to tell you earlier,” he says, voice controlled. Steady. Belying the lust in his gaze. “We are leaving in the morning.”

“What?” My voice cracks. The heat that had been curling low in my belly dissipates in an instant. “But Darius…the deal… I have more time…”

“Relax, Sunshine.” His lips twitch with a shadow of amusement. “Your deal has been fulfilled.”

“What—” I gasp, and my eyes fly down to my forearms.

I fist Rian’s tunic as the dark markings sliding over my flesh bristle, then begin to fade. In seconds, they are gone.

“But…” I stare at the unmarred skin, then drag my disbelieving eyes back up to his. “But I haven’t cured Darius.”

“But you have helped him.” Rian smirks. “Feeding him mortal food was not something we considered before, but the nourishment has strengthened his body. The curse would’ve wreaked far more damage at this point without your assistance.”

Food? The broth is what freed me of my debt? Not magic. Not some impressive feat of medical prowess? But food?

I stare at the base of his throat, overwhelmed. Partly with relief. Partly with the strangest sense of loss.

A dark tendril taps my chin, tilting my head up. Silver pools pour into me. “What are you thinking?”

“That you should have told me you were leaving sooner.”

“Is this your way of saying you will miss me?”

Heat rises to my cheeks. “I’ll miss my magical tutor.”

“That sounds like a yes to me.” His lips curl, and as always, the effect leaves me breathless.

“What is happening, Rian?” I don’t dare look away for fear of breaking the moment building between us. “What is…this? Why do I feel this way?”

He releases one of my wrists. Rather than lowering my hand, I rest my palm against his chest. His heartbeat quickens under my touch.

Rian’s free hand cups the side of my face. His thumb caresses the thin skin on the inside of my wrist he still holds. My knees weaken.

“I cannot name what this is between us,” he says finally, eyes darkening. “Not unless you want to awaken a possessive beast that would steal you away from anyone you’ve ever known or loved.”

The words thrill and terrify me. I can feel the pull of him, the danger in wanting him. Everything about this is forbidden, and yet it feels right.

Gods, what is happening to me?

I drop my gaze to my arms, once more taking in the bare skin, feeling a hint of loss at the missing marks.

Seconds pass. Rian waits patiently, content to watch me and stroke my skin, sending flares of desire into my core.

Finally, I whisper, “I don’t understand.”

“That is likely for the best,” he says once more.

He dips down, and my stomach clenches.

Is he going to kiss me?