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I glare at him. “Well,Shayd, I trustyouto do your job.”
He barks out a laugh, crossing his arms. “Fair enough,” he says.
I start to leave, raking my hand back through my hair in frustration. Corvus catches me on my way, though, his hand gripping my arm. “Before you go,” he says. “How is he?”
“What do you mean? Like in bed?”
“Yes,” he replies, his eyes narrowing. “Obviously.”
I give him a half-smile.
“He’s incredible.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
?
PENN
I’m starting to learn that Atlas loves food…and that he expresses love by feeding the object of his affection. He won’t touch me, but he has a meal served for me every opportunity he gets, especially now that we’re here in Joya.
First lunch…then a snack, followed by another set of drinks and hors d’oeurves on the veranda. Evening comes, and I have the same feeling you get after a big holiday meal, like I’m going to doze off in the sun.
If Iwasstill doing my job, there’s no way I would be comfortable enough to doze.
Corvus is right; I’m letting down my guard.
By the time dinner is meant to be served, the sun setting over the sea, I’m ready to turn in for the night. I sit on the porch of my room and stare out at the distant waves, the village buzzing with activity in the valley far below us. I’ve been alone since that last round of drinks and snacks, and I’m feeling sated.
Well, sated in all ways but one.
The door creaks open inside the room, and I turn in my chair to find Atlas coming in, flanked by two guards. He still doesn’t trust me—that much is obvious, even if he’s more relaxed here. I think he’s coming around to me, though.
“Hi,” I say quietly.
“I hope you’re well-rested,” he says. “I was hoping that you would join me.”
I smile as I look up at him. His muscles stretch under the fabric of his shirt, his golden skin gleaming in the light of the room. It’s so easy to ignore that he’s with other people when he walks in and looks likethis, his very presence in the room the only thing that matters.
I stand up, walking toward him. “What did you have in mind? If it’s more food, I don’t know if I can do it.”
He laughs, his expression softening. “You aren’t enjoying the food?”
“I am enjoying it,” I say. “A little too much. I’m stuffed.”
“I promise you won’t have to eat for this,” he says. “I’m going to take you somewhere I rarely take anyone.”
That piques my interest. Not that it needed to be piqued. “Oh? Do I need to get ready at all?”
“No,” he says, looking me up and down. “You’re perfect like this.”
I don’t feel perfect like this. I’m tired, there are bags under my eyes, and while I’m sure the crisp air is doing something for my complexion, I keep thinking about my job. I can’t get any respite from myself.
I want Atlas to pull me to my feet and whisk me away somewhere, but I know he’s not going to touch me. I pull myself up to my feet and look out the window for a second.
“What are we doing?” I ask him.
He smiles. “It’s a surprise,” he says. “I assume you like surprises?”
