Page 201 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

A growl rumbles in his chest. “The fire wielder was right. You smell divine.”

My pulse quickens. “I don’t understand you.”

The shadow coiling around my wrist weaves through the pearl bracelets stacked on my arm.

“Not many do.” He adjusts his grip on my hand then spins me outward.

I stumble at the sudden move. The straps wrapped around my calves press into my flesh as I shift and right myself.

My sandaled feet steady underneath me just before Rian reels me back in. My back crashes into his chest with force, but he doesn’t budge an inch.

My arms are crossed at my chest and stomach, trapped as he holds each hand in his strong grip.

He ducks his head, so close his breath ghosts over my cheeks. “But one day, I think you might understand me better than most.”

My heart flips.

What in the hells is that supposed to mean?

Rian and I stand at the edge of the ballroom. I hadn’t realized how far he’d guided me.

The dance floor is a sea of inebriated couples. The dais sits empty. No one looks in our direction.

Is it Rian’s glamour or his shadows that conceal us?

Are they separate abilities?

Or one and the same?

My breasts rise and fall with ragged breaths.

Desire trickles to the front of my mind the longer I remain pressed against the formidable male behind me, overwhelming my resistance.

“I have so many questions,” I murmur so quietly that the words are almost lost in the boisterous crowd and music.

Rian’s lips curve against the side of my face. “I’m sure you do.”

He releases one hand and tugs on the other. I spin in place, and I’m once again locked in his arms.

I stare up at the Shadow Prince. A devastating grin tugs his sensuous lips.

My soul burns.

I search his silver eyes, then my own mind. Indecision wars within me. My power billows, and the marks on my arms skitter.

I should fear Rian.

I should despise him.

But I don’t.

Not even a little bit.

I bite my lip.

Rian’s eyes flare bright.

Hali’s plan flashes through my mind. The children. The ship Anders promised to secure.