"Thank you," I said.
"Any time."
A silly thought flitted across my mind. For a moment, I thought I could stay like this forever—alone with Devereaux in the pleasant silence of the courtyard, with him touching my back in that caring way. But that was delusional. I had a life to get back to and real problems to address. I shouldn't get sucked into whimsical fantasies.
But when I was with Devereaux, it was difficult not to. Maybe it was his otherworldly presence, but my mind relaxed around him. He was both exciting and calming in different ways. I liked the way he made me feel.
Devereaux smiled at me, which made me notice I'd been smiling at him like a loon for the past couple minutes. I ducked my head.
"Sorry," I murmured.
"Whatever for?"
"I was being rude and staring..."
In a motion that sent a swarm of butterflies through me, Devereaux placed his finger under my chin and lifted it so I was facing him again. The gentle but firm action made it clear what he wanted:don't look away.
It also reminded me that Devereaux was an alpha—powerful, assertive, and unlike other alphas, trustworthy. I swallowed the lump in my throat.
"Stare as much as you like," Devereaux said. "What else do I possess this body for, if not for you to look at it?"
Heat flooded my cheeks. What did he mean by that? His body was his own. It wasn't an object for me to ogle.
But still, that comment lit my skin on fire. It was like hewantedme to stare at him.
A laugh bubbled out of me. "You're an odd man, Devereaux."
His smile widened. "I am aware."
Devereaux cast a blindfolded glance around the courtyard. I'd been meaning to ask him about why he wore it but I didn't want to be rude.
"Will you stay longer than you did last night?" Devereaux asked hopefully.
I wanted to stay forever, but I couldn't say that. Logically, it was still early evening, so I could spend an hour or two with Devereaux before it was prudent to make my way home. Then again, Headmaster hadn't given me the time of the day since deciding to kick me out. That was already the worst punishment she could inflict on me. What could she possibly do if I showed up late to the orphanage?
And Pascal... He would understand why I was late if I explained. He was more than supportive of my relationship—er, friendship—with Devereaux.
"I will," I told him.
To my surprise, Devereaux beamed and took my hands. "Oh, you have no idea how that fills me with joy!"
The pure elation in his voice was as clear as a bell. It made me happy to hear it. This feeling was bizarre and wonderful. Devereaux was unlike any other person in the world. What made him so special? I didn't understand. All I knew was that I wanted to be around him as much as possible.
"Won't the guards be upset that I'm here after dark?" I asked, shooting an anxious glance towards the distant front gate.
"I do not see why they should care," Devereaux said. "You are my guest, not theirs."
His nonchalance about the rules was sweet, if confusing. He wanted me here just as badly as I wanted to be here. It wasn't an experience I was used to. All my life, I'd been unwanted. Headmaster made that very clear. I was a poor orphan omega with no skills and no prospects. I wasn't dealt a good hand in life, and unless I broke free of my past through some miracle, I simply had to deal with it.
But it wasn't just Headmaster. She wasn't trying to wear me down with her words—they were the cold, hard truth. It was the world we lived in. Even passersby in the street saw me and pitied me, if they weren't disgusted at my existence. I was something to be avoided and forgotten.
But Devereaux sought me out. He remembered me.
He wanted me to stay with him.
"Come, Florian," Devereaux said, offering his hand. "I will show you around."
My body jolted in anguish at the idea of walking anymore, but there was no way I'd refuse this offer. I took Devereaux's hand, his skin a paradox of cool and warm, and let him lead me around the courtyard. Instead of the pain, I focused on his adorable eagerness to take me on a tour.
