Heextended his hand toward me. “Comeon,I’llshow you.”
Mygaze dropped to his hand.Itwas massive and a shade of gray that reminded me he wasn’t human—not as ifIcould forget.Afterthe wayI’dresponded to him initially,Isnapped myself out of staring.Ididn’t want him to thinkIfound him repulsive, especially after he’d shown such kindness to me.Anda part of me was a bit fascinated by this commander of gargoyles.Ireached my hand out to meet his.
Whenour hands touched, a strange buzz tingled beneath my skin, sending a pleasant warmth up my arm.Couldhe feel it too?
Iglanced at his strong profile.Hisface was immobile, revealing nothing—until he inched it toward me.Whenour gazes locked, his eyes revealed his reaction—shock and possibly a hint of fear.That,Icould understand.
Mycheeks burned andIwas about to pull my hand away, but he turned and began to walk.
“We’llaccess it this way.”Hepointed ahead with his other hand.
AsIwalked hand in hand beside this enormous gargoyle,Ifelt diminutive.Hetook such long strides thatIhad to hurry my steps to keep up, but once he noticed, he slowed his pace.Heled us to a door that opened onto the roof, releasing me as he did so.Myskin felt cold with the loss of contact, andIdidn’t feel as safe asIhad when he’d been holding my hand.
Westepped onto a rooftop with a gorgeous view ofMont-Royalin the distance.Iglanced over the comfortable seating area, potted plants, and hot tub before my gaze traveled upward.
“Dowe need to worry about being out here?”
“No.Thewards are in place, protecting us.”Hegave me a wry grin. “Notto mention a residence full of gargoyles who are well-equipped to do so.”
“Agaggle of gargoyles.”Igiggled at how ridiculous that sounded.
“Ora team ofStoneSentries,” he added with amusement.
Wewalked in silence for several seconds.Thesounds of the city seemed so far away, muted below.Whenwe passed a potted lavender plant,Ibent to inhale the fragrance.ThenIstood and gazed out at the sky once more.
“Themoon’s beautiful tonight,”Ipointed out.
“Absolutelystunning,” he agreed.
WhenIglanced over at him, he wasn’t looking at the sky but watching me.
“You’renot even looking,”Iteased.
“You’refar more beautiful than anythingI’veever seen in the skies,Eloise.”Theintense way he stared at me sent another wave of heat up to my cheeks, andIglanced away.
“Iapologize.Mymouth got ahead of my brain.Doesme saying that make you uncomfortable?” he asked, his tone edged with concern.
Itook a deep breath asIconsidered it. “No,”Iadmitted. “Ilike hearing it.”WhenIbrought my gaze to meet his again, all traces of worry were gone from his face.Ourgazes locked, and my heart pounded faster.Hisirises shone with a silvery gray hue that captivated me.Ididn’t know what to do with my hands.Icouldn’t seem to tear my eyes away.Mybody heated and my breath came quicker.
Finally,Iturned and glanced out at the moon. “Doyou truly thinkIcould be in danger?”
Wait?WhydidIhave to say that?Whateverthat moment was that we’d shared would surely be ruined by me reminding him of a possible threat.
Dumontstepped behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder.Ileaned back against his warm touch, the comfort of his enormous hand providing a sense of security—and much, much more.
“Iwill do everything in my power to keep you safe,” he swore, his voice low and even deeper than before.
WhenIturned to glance up at him, his expression was hard and determined.Hissteely gaze so intense, it drew me in once more.Onlythis time,Ididn’t want to turn away.Theway he vowed to protect me turned me on more thanIever expected.I’dnever met anyone like him, or anyone who’d make that kind of promise.Helooked at me likeIwas the only person he cared for, althoughIknew he had an entire city to protect.
Iwanted more.WhenIstared up at him, my gaze lowered to his full lips.Itook a small step closer to him.Thenanother until only a couple of inches separated us.
“Dumont?”Isaid and my voice sounded breathy.
“Yes.”Hiseyes were now fixed on my parted lips.
“Willyou…”Myvoice broke.
“WillIwhat?”
