“But you did.”
“Yes.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “And now she’s dead, and Fenmark is missing, and you’re here asking questions I can’t answer without putting more people at risk.”
I wanted to push, to demand more answers, but something in hisexpression told me I’d reached the limits of what he would, or could, share tonight.
“We’ll find out who did this,” he said finally, his voice steady and full of quiet determination. “Together. I give you my word.”
The promise hung in the air between us, and despite the lies and the secrets and the way my world had tilted tonight, I believed him.
“I should go,” I said, suddenly aware of how long I’d been here. How I was still curled in his lap, stroking his bare skin, his arms around me like he had every right to hold me.
“Yes.”
Neither of us moved.
Finally, he shifted us to the edge of the bed and gently lifted me from his lap, setting me on my feet, rising to stand beside me. I craved his warmth once more.
His body had been crafted by a master, all golden skin and battle-earned muscle. The scars that should mar his perfection only made him appear lethal. And a touch vulnerable. My gaze dropped before I could stop it, taking in the powerful lines of his body, the way he seemed utterly unbothered by his nudity. Heat flooded my cheeks as I forced my eyes back to his face, only to find him watching me with dark amusement.
“Ogling me again, Minx?” he asked, that familiar smirk tugging at his mouth.
I lifted my chin, refusing to be embarrassed. “Aren’t you embarrassed to stand here naked?”
“Not one bit.” He reached for a robe draped over a nearby chair, pulling it on with efficient movements that somehow made the whole gesture seem intimate. The fabric settled over his shoulders and chest, hiding all that distracting skin, but the memory of it burned behind my eyes.
“Come,” he said, offering me his hand. “I’ll walk you to your room.”
I hesitated for only a moment before linking our fingers.
The tomb-quiet castle walls echoed around us as we made ourway to my chambers, our footsteps muffled by thick runners. He moved with the easy confidence of someone who owned every shadow and every stone, but his thumb traced gentle circles across my knuckles as we walked.
When we reached my door, I turned to face him, reluctant to let this moment end. I didn’t want to go back to pretending we were nothing more than suspicious allies.
“Thank you,” I said. “For not throwing me into your dungeon.”
“I do have one. I’d be glad to give you a tour.”
I shuddered and studied his face, taking in the adorable sparkle in his eyes.
“Perhaps another time.” My words sounded stiff, but this was all I could think of to say. He flustered me in a way no one else ever had. “Thanks for listening.”
He stepped in so close, I had to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. “Isi.” My name came soft on his lips. “Whatever happens next, whatever we discover, you’re not alone in this anymore.”
His words made my heart flutter.
“Sleep well, little minx.” He leaned down to kiss my forehead, the touch feather-light, barely there. But it sent warmth cascading through me. “And next time you decide to break into my private chambers…”
He pulled back enough to meet my eyes, that familiar wicked glint returning to his gaze. “Knock. I promise I’ll answer.” His chin nudged toward my door. “Inside. Lock it. Don’t let anyone in but me.”
I lifted a brow but said nothing, doing as he said and stepping inside.
But I watched as he turned and strode away, disappearing down the corridor.
I stood in place for too long, my fingers pressed to the spot where his lips had touched my forehead, waiting until the sound of his footsteps faded into silence.
Only then did I shut the door and lock it with trembling hands.
I laid Addie’s journal on the bed, running my fingers over the worn leather cover.
