Malik ran the edge of his finger down my cheek.
I shuddered.
He leaned in, his voice a whisper against my skin.
“I’ll tell you why you came.” His breath fanned over my jaw, his lips dangerously close.
“You need my help.”
I blinked, my thoughts snapping back to reality. The reason I came here.
“You have to help me kill Balthazar!”
Malik tilted his head, his expression unreadable. “Do I?”
He lifted my bleeding hand with unnerving gentleness, holding it close to his lips. Then, he exhaled, his warm breath ghosting over myskin.
A strange sensation bloomed in my palm—like electric heat spreading through my veins.
“There.” His voice was soft, smooth. “I’ve healed you.”
Then, without hesitation, he pressed his lips to my skin and held them there.
An unexpected shiver rippled down my spine. My body slackened, a pull of warmth making me swoon?—
But then, reality slammed back into me.
I jerked my hand away, pulse thundering.
Malik chuckled, his lips curving into something dangerously soft. “A simple thank-you would be nice.”
I rubbed my thumb across my now-healed palm, still feeling the lingering warmth of his touch. “Thank you,” I murmured, then quickly added, “I’ll clean the blood from your rug.”
I sat on the mattress, desperately attempting to put some space between us.
Stupid move, Olivia.
Now, I was face-to-face with Malik’s crotch.
“Thank you,” he said, still watching me with that knowing smirk. “But don’t bother with the rug. I have maids.”
I waved my hands at him, flustered. “Back up. Please. You’re too close. I can’t think straight when you’re this close to me.”
His smirk deepened, but he took a step back. “Better?”
A little?Not at all.
Now, all I could see was the broad expanse of his chest, rising and falling in the dim glow of the room.
Focus, Olivia.Focus.
I sucked in a breath, trying to center myself. “I came to you because I need your help killing Balthazar.”
Malik’s amusement didn’t dissolve. If anything, it deepened.
“And why,” he asked, “should I help you?”
His lips barely twitched as if this conversation was entertaining him.
