I step in closer to the bar, trying to regain control of the situation.
“Ale,” I say, keeping my voice even.
The barkeep’s demeanor shifts slightly as, he nods and goes tofetch my drink.As I turn to face Casper, his gaze feels suffocating. His eyes are fixed on me, colder than before, more calculating. I search the tavern for Callum, but he’s gone. Just vanished.
Frustration bubbles up inside me, my patience wearing thin.
I take a step toward Casper, and before I can push past him, a hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist and pulling me back into his embrace. A gasp escapes my lips involuntarily, and my heart skips a beat as I feel his body press against mine. His breath is warm against my ear as he speaks, his voice low and threatening.
“What are you doing here, Princess?”
His fingers intertwine with mine for just a moment, but it’s enough. I can feel the power in his touch, the control. I glance up, meeting his gaze, but there’s something darker in his eyes now.
I try to push away, but his grip tightens, keeping me rooted in place. I glance at his hand wrapped around my wrist, then raise my chin to meet his eyes.
“Better watch what you’re doing,littleghost,” I whisper, my voice dripping with a promise of retribution. “Or people will start to notice.”
A deep, velvety laugh rumbles from his lips, and he leans in closer, his lips brushing near my ear as he speaks.
“Oh, we both know I’m not little.”
My breath catches in my throat. I know this dance. I’m used to the power plays, the subtle games. But Casper is different. He’s more than just a shadow, more than just a ghost in the night.
I wrench my wrist from his grip, stepping into him, frustration bubbling to the surface. My chest rises and falls with the heat of it, and for a moment, I’m not sure if I want to kiss him or strangle him.
Intense anger and passion ignite in Casper's eyes as they meet mine. His gaze darts between my eyes and my lips, which hunger for his touch despite my attempts to control it. My jaw tightens as I take another step toward the bar, never breaking our gaze. Grabbing my drink, I sip it slowly, feeling the burn slide down my throat—the burn of both the alcohol and the heat radiating from him. I set the glass down at the bar with a soft clink, punctuating the silence.
I move past him, but as soon as his heat fades, a pang of longing shoots through me. I haven’t seen him since my wedding night. Since everything fell apart. The ache in my chest is painful, persistent. With a deep breath, I step away, but before I can get far, strong arms wrap around me, pulling me away from the bar and into the night. I gasp, my heart skipping a beat as we're hauled toward the edge of the campground, heading for the forest.
“What are you doing?” My voice comes out cold—frustration and confusion bubbling up.
We turn into a darkened area, and Casper finally lets me down. His voice comes out harsh, almost cruel.
“Don’t make me ask again, Princess. What are you doing here?”
Frustration flares.
“Well, I’m in the middle of some guard camp because I was hauled out by a big, arrogant, brute who thinks he can just toss me around like a lifeless doll.” I throw my hands up in exaggerated motion.
Casper stills, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. Then, to my surprise, a flicker of concern passes across his face.
“Did I harm you?” he asks, his voice softer, almost uncertain.
I frown, surprised by the question.
“No, Casper. You didn’t harm me.”
Casper steps back, his hands sliding into his pockets. His gaze drops to the ground, as if sorting through his thoughts. His indignation calms slightly, but I can feel the discomfort still lingering in the air.
I lean against a tree, trying to steady myself.
“What are you doing here, Lailah?”
I shake my head, unsure of how to answer—or if I even want to.
“I was in the forest... met a guard. Callum,” I mutter, unsure of how to explain the mess of emotions swirling inside me.
Casper inhales sharply. His expression hardens, and he crosses his arms tightly.
