“We won’t.” Maxon swings me around so we are hidden in a small alcove, his entire body blocking my view of the hall.
I tilt my head back against the wall as he braces his hands on either side. Desire flickers like flames in his eyes as he lowers his head. In an instant, my pulse races, and I become acutely aware of the sound of my breathing.
His lips brush against mine, gentle and tentative at first, but quickly succumbing to the undeniable chemistry between us. A shiver runs down my spine, and my body responds instinctively, pressing closer to him as if searching for solace in his arms.
With each stolen kiss, time seems to stand still.
Maxon gently pulls back, both his hands cradling my face in his palms. “No matter how complicated it gets, I’m always going to choose you. I can’t explain it, Everly, but I know you’re mine.”
“Seriously!” Nix shrieks from behind Maxon.
Reality crashes back as I grip his shirt tightly, my fingers sinking into the fabric of his tunic. The taste of danger lingers on my lips, a bittersweet reminder of our predicament.
Maxon groans, turning to Nix. “Why do you keep popping up?”
“Do you want to be caught? Is that it?”
I step out from behind Maxon and face Nix. In her wide sapphire eyes, a mix of surprise and disbelief shines through as she nervously tugs at her long, brown hair.
A rush of guilt surfaces. “I’m sorry.”
“Do not apologize to her,” Maxon growls, the warning clear in his tone.
Nix shakes her head, a look of uncertainty on her face. “I thought you’d both be smarter about this, but I’m really worried.”
My heart drops, and I glimpse movement out of the corner of my eye. It isn’t until this moment that I realize I have completely forgotten about Tristan.
Chaptertwenty-three
Maxon
Inotice the figure standing down the hall the moment Everly does and my body tenses, but it’s only Tristan. I’m not usually caught off guard like that, but this woman has a way of distracting me like no other. I nod in his direction and Nix spins to see who I’m looking at, going pale.
“It’s fine, Nix,” I assure her.
Her face is so priceless, I would laugh if I didn't feel bad for her. I know she cares and feels somewhat responsible for Everly since she was the one to find her, but she has nothing to worry about when it comes to me or my men.
“It is not fine, your majesty,” she snaps back, her tiny hands clenching into fists as she hovers in front of us. I watch from my periphery as Tristan makes his way over.
“Your Highness,” he says, dipping his head.
“To appease Nix here, would you tell her what you told me?”
Tristan looks over at Nix. “I serve only my king. Everly is safe with us, and I do not believe she is here as a spy.”
Nix flies closer to him, a vibrant trail of glitter following her, catching the sunlight. “Are you sure about that?”
Tristan’s eyes flicker toward Everly for a second before refocusing back on Nix. “No offense, but she is a weak human. What harm can she do, really?”
Everly gives Tristan a flat look and snatches up her boots from the floor. “You, sir, are the fae version of menstrual cramps.”
I can’t help but chuckle as Tristan’s face contorts in a comical manner. Everly tugs her boots back on and takes in our small group.
“Right, well, on that note, I’m taking Everly for a ride,” I announce, slapping Tristan on the shoulder.
Though it’s clear that Nix wants to argue, she crosses her arms tightly and remains silent.
Eager to have her to myself, I swiftly take hold of Everly’s hand and guide her outside.
