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I looked down, unable to hold his blood-red stare and muttered, “You saved me.”
Even in my state I knew how to act. Humble and… submissive.
“I merely prolonged your stay. It has been many a year since a Claim attempted to end their visit early… prematurely. I vowed I would not do it again.”
I spoke to the sheets that protect my modesty. “It was an accident. A slip of a candle.”
“Then you are a nuisance and clumsy. What two… inseparable traits.”
“Thank you,” I forced out, glancing up into his never-ending stare for a quick moment.
He raised a hand, his eyes closed. “Stop.”
I stilled, swallowing my next words. The sheets were stiff in my hands and I gripped on tighter, pulling them up to cover my exposed skin.
His eyes tracked my movements.
“I could not stand the smell of your clothing. It had to be removed.”
“Next time ask… please.”
I tried hard to keep my face soft. Just like Mother had taught me. I could not mess this up.Be beautiful, get close to him.
“I have not needed to ask in years. I will not start with you.”
My knuckles paled as I gripped the sheets tighter. “Have I…”
“Burned the chamber to cinders? Likely. Now we must think of a new place for you to stay.” His nails were pale and sharp. He tapped one on his chin as he lost his stare to contemplation.
“There are plenty of spare rooms,” I said.
“You have explored.” His gaze narrowed on me. “Of course you have. Did you find anything of interest on your travels of my home?”
“Perhaps.”
“Perhaps?” He tilted his head. “You have little words for an arson criminal.”
“It was an accident.”
“So you have said.”
Before I could shift to move from the bed, he was on it, hands pressed on either side of me. He was like a shadow, no more than a whisper of smoke as his outline settled into physical form again.
“Is my bed not good enough for you, Jak?” he snarled, face inches from mine. “Would you prefer to lay in cinders than comfort? For if that is what you so desire, I can ensure that happens.”
I felt my cheeks blush with warmth, no matter how I tried to fight it. I risked a moment to break his entrapping stare to scan the room I woke in. Everything about it was dark. From the patterned wallpaper to the stained furniture. This place was a cavern of gloom and elegance.
“I do not mean to offend,” I said.
“We are far past that.” He glowered. “You will stay here until a new room is prepared.”
Lines creased the sides of his eyes, the only imperfection I could see.
“I—”
His fingers pressed against my lips. Cold, so cold. I almost swallowed my tongue at the shock of his touch.
“It is early so I must retire.” The curtains were drawn across the stained-glass window to my left. Although the crack in the middle allowed me to see the lightening of the sky. “Please refrain from setting this room ablaze. I have grown rather fond of these four walls.”
