“How could you let Marcellious waltz into your house and steal the journal?” I demanded.
Malik waved a dismissive hand. “The journal is worthless.”
Then, with ease, he crossed the room and sank onto the small sofa, draping one arm along the back while resting his ankle on his knee.
He looked perfectly composed, like none of this mattered to him.
“No, it’s not,” I snapped, my fire returning. “Did you allow him to take it? You knew he was here, didn’t you? You can sense intruders, Malik. You’re anything but stupid.”
My body shook with anger.
Malik smirked, tilting his head. “Is that a compliment, Olivia?”
He spoke my name, his voice as smooth as silk, laced with seduction.
My breath hitched.
“No! I’m just—” I shook my head, frustrated. He was toying with me. Again.
And I wasn’t in the mood to play.
“We need to time travel,” I said, forcing myself to focus. “We can’t just sit here like sitting ducks.”
Malik’s smirk widened. “Like sitting ducks,” he mused. “You and Emily are anything but ducks, my love.”
His fingers grazed the stubble along his jaw.
And that phrase—my love—slithered inside me like a serpent, coiling around my insides, sending an involuntary thrill up my spine.
Damn him.
I steeled myself. “Malik,” I said in a warning tone. “Don’t?—”
He held up his palms, cutting me off. “I don’t want to fight with you.”
“I don’t want to fight either,” I muttered, glancing at Emily, who stood to the side, her wide eyes darting between us like she was watching a tennis match.
Malik exhaled, but his emerald eyes gleamed with something darker.
“Who’s this ‘we’ you plan to time travel with?” he asked smoothly. “Me? Emily? Rosie?”
His voice turned mocking.
“Do you think I’ll drop everything just to babysit Emily and Rosie while you go gallivanting off to Italy?”
His words hit their mark—a low blow wrapped in mocking amusement.
Before I could snap back, Emily cut in.
“Please, sir,” she began. “You were about to explain what a Timebound is. That could be the solution we’re looking for.”
Malik’s smirk lingered momentarily before he let out a quiet sigh.
“Ah, yes.” He strolled across the room and settled behind his desk, fingers tapping absently against the polished wood. “Do have a seat, won’t you?”
He gestured toward the sofa.
I hesitated.
