What was the point of showing me an image of Michael holding a dagger and me exposing my back to him? Did the doors want to anger me?
Heavenly Hell, I didn’t understand them. Or Cato, who refused to say a peep about my dream-walking powers. Lucifer couldn’t even pull anything out of him—or so he claimed. Sometimes, I wasn’t sure if I could trust his word.
I opened the doors and froze.
Ronen lounged in a chair near my mini library, a book in his hands. He wore dark sweatpants and a baggy sweater, and his usually styled fade was messy, brushing his forehead. I hadn’t thought he could look any sexier. I bowed my head, feeling like I was betraying Aspen for even thinking that. I’d come here to get away from thoughts of Ronen, not run into him.
I took a step back.
“Rune’s never been great at protection detail when she’s sleeping.”
Of course he noticed me. Sighing, I walked over to my table.
He glanced up, his gaze slowly roving over me. His lips twitched. “Is that your normal attire when you come to read?”
I internally cringed, remembering I’d come down in no bra, a silk camisole, and shorts, with fuzzy slippers warming my feet. “It is in the middle of the night, when I assume no one else will be here.” I plopped into my chair out of habit. Unfortunately, one that was closer to Ronen than I liked.
He made a noncommittal noise and returned to his book.
That was it? That was the extent of our conversation?
“Do you needsomething, Hellion?”
I looked away, my cheeks flushing. “No.”
I pulled a random book from my stack and opened it. A moment later, the library doors swung open. Dorus entered, carrying a tray with a steaming teapot and a slice of chocolate cake.
“You didn’t tell me you had company tonight, Ronen,” she chided, setting the tray on a small table beside his chair.
“It seems she found my hiding spot.” The smile in his voice did regretful things to my heart.
“Maybe some company when you can’t sleep would be a nice change for you?” A motherly smile tightened her crow’s feet as she patted his shoulder. “I’ll grab another cup and slice.”
I waved a hand. “That’s not necessary.”
“The tea will help your racing mind, honey.” She cut off my next protest and quickly strode to the doors. “I’ll even add some chocolate truffles to your plate,” she called back.
I sighed, knowing she had me there.
Ronen chuckled and sipped his tea. “Dorus isn’t one to take no for an answer.”
“Is this a nightly occurrence for you?” I gestured to the tea and library.
He lowered his steaming white cup, shadows sheathing his palms as he rested it in his lap. “Yes, when someone isn’t passed out on her books.”
I opened and closed my mouth, having no reply. Heavenly Hell, I hoped he hadn’t seen me drool.
His lip twitched. “Helps settle my mind.”
“Does it work?”
Seconds ticked by as I waited for his reply. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach under his silent attention. I shifted in my seat.
“Sometimes the Greek legends of Earth help.” He nodded to the book on the arm of his chair. “But I’m beginning to see there are other things that prove more effective.”
“Like your chocolate cake?” I teased.
“Among other things.”
