After what I saw on deck? Yes.
Farris gazed up at me, releasing a whimper, and I moved forward, not stopping until I stood a few paces behind Lore. Why did I find it hard to stay away from this wretched man? He was much too arrogant, too cruel, and he’d stolen my precious sword from me the moment we’d met.
The mark on my wrist flared, the gleam from beneath Merrick’s bracelet suggesting why.
Lore wasnotmy fated mate. I wouldn’t accept it.
“I can hear your heart pounding from here, Wildfire.” His voice coasted across my skin, unsettling me. “I'm sure you'd liketo see the ocean from this angle, not from where you stand now. You want to talk with me. Why deny yourself the pleasure?”
“I don't believe any of our interactions have contained pleasure,” I huffed, but my heart beat in a furious way, betraying my words. Was I drawn to him because he was forbidden or was there something more, some tantalizing thing I'd die before admitting?
“That's because you bring out my worst.” He chuckled softly, the sound both alluring and infuriating. “You say you don't find pleasure in our interactions, yet you remain close behind me. Why not scamper back to your cabin and the safety of your husband’s arms?” His words remained sharp, but his husky tone hinted at more than mockery. Did he also feel the strange pull between us?
"It's not like that between Merrick and I." Not yet. After our kiss, though, I'd be stupid to think that wasn't coming.
"I have a hard time believing you'll obey the king's commands, and hewillmake demands, sooner than you might like."
"Maybe he won't have to command me." There, let Lore chew on that for a moment.
His chest rumbled with a growl. "Then you betray him by standing here with me."
"I'm on the deck for a walk. Farris needed fresh air."
Farris strained toward Lore, as drawn to this man as me.
"Tell yourself that a few more times, Wildfire, and you might even start to believe it." Turning, he held his hand toward me. "Come stand with me. See what the night has to offer."
My emotions churned, and it was all I could do not to takehis hand. Would he wrap me in his arms? Try to erase Merrick's kiss with his own?
Fuck him. Fuck this turbulent situation. And fuck the damn mark on my wrist.
With a swift pivot, I hurried back toward the cabin, Farris trotting at my heels.
Lore’s mocking laugh dragged its way down my spine.
20
LORANT
Merrick's gaze shifted; a subtle change that made my chest tighten with dread. The sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth was the kind that spoke of secrets and satisfaction.
“How are things with you and Reyla?” he asked, his tone light, but his eyes sharp and assessing.
“As to be expected.”
His low laugh rang out. “Have you spoken with her at all since you brought her the cure for her seasickness?”
I'd done my best to avoid her. “She sought me out last night; not the other way around.”
“Oh, she did?” I couldn’t read anything in his words, but his jaw tightened.
My teeth clenched to match, and I had to force the words out. ”Yes. She did.”
“Then you have spoken. Good. You're my bodyguard. It’simportant that you two get along.” Smiling, he shook his head as if he remembered something wonderful. A conversation with Reyla that didn’t involve mocking and snarls, most likely. Courtly chatter that allowed him to know her better and her him. Sweet moments where he could steal a kiss.
Who could blame him if he was starting to fall for her? She was perfect. Unlike anyone I'd met before in my life.
“You’vespoken with her,” I bit out.
