A smirk crossed his lips when I said that, like it was a challenge. A carnal expression graced that striking face. “If you believe that, then maybe you are a fool after all, Alina,” he said smoothly, taking my hand and lifting it up to spin me around. He crossed it over my chest and held me against him, his other hand wrapping around my waist. We could hear the muffled sounds of music in the distance. His breath fanned over the back of my neck as he kissed the skin softly, swaying with me as he caressed my body.
His obsession was worse than I thought. I assumed it was caused by my supposed special blood he talked about, but now I knew that it was so much worse. He would never leave me alone. He did not care if the public knew. It meant cutting me off from everyone else. If intimidation failed, I knew he would not hesitate to deliver body parts to my door if any man tried to move on what he thought was his.
“You are the fool if you think I could belong to anyone.” Iunraveled myself from his arms, but he pulled me back in. He dipped me low with a tight grasp.
“You say that, but there will come a time when I ask you, and you will say yes.” He pulled me up to where our noses touched.
“That is quite a fantasy you have.” I raised a brow. “Unlikely, I fear.”
He chuckled and cupped my cheek softly, lovingly, even.
“We will burn that bridge whenwe get to it, my shadow.”
37
THE POISONER
“Itake it you liked the pastries?” Phoebe hummed.
“Anything with citrus, you know I can’t fight it.” I bit into my fourth tart of the morning.
Breakfast was enjoyed outside along with the other guests.
As I stared down at the pastry, I lost my facade, the smile dissipating like a flame on a wet wick. So much energy was dedicated tolookinghappy instead of actually being happy. The weight of my situation was stealing my appetite and dragging my mood down every time I remembered it. The sensation always came on so suddenly.
“Morbs?” Phoebe asked once she noticed my demeanor.
“Morbs,” I answered.
I was lucky that Phoebe understood my moods, like she could read me faster than her tabloids. As a socialite, one had to get alarmingly good at reading people.
The brunette from the other day, Clarissa, glared in our direction and whispered viciously among the other debutantes. So young and high-strung. It was hard to blame them. I was thesame not too many years ago. They were settled on a picnic blanket by the pond with their parasols. Though I did not have to be good at reading people to know she was not my biggest fan, I could expect a slur of nasty rumors in a few days’ time.
I had not seen Silas all morning, which was odd because he usually made himself known as often as possible. All that talk about possession last night. His cocky attitude was insufferable at this point. Could it kill him to be pleasant for once?
My thoughts were interrupted by the thud of hooves pulling a carriage up to the front of the estate. I glanced at Phoebe, but she just stared at the carriage, seemingly not expecting anyone.
That was when that familiar flash of blond appeared, stepping out and surveying the early birds. Those gray eyes finally fixated on me, prompting a handsome smile as he approached.
“Aston,” Silas acknowledged Phoebe, but did not take his eyes off me. “Alina, we have an appointment.”
I looked over at Phoebe, confused, and she looked back at me equally as perplexed, a worried tinge on her face.
“What appointment?” I glanced back up at him, his shadow blocking the morning sun.
“One that you won’t want to miss.” He held his gloved hand out to me.
“Why must you steal my friends whenever you find yourself bored?” Phoebe grumbled, and took a sip of her tea, glaring at Silas over the rim of her cup.
“Steal? You give me too much credit.” He rolled his eyes at her. “I will return her afterward... maybe.”
I took his hand and stood. “What about my things?”
“You won’t need them. I’ll have them delivered back to London,” he answered, beginning to lead me away.
Phoebe and I shared unsure looks before seeing the otherguests staring. I knew that word would get back to every tabloid in London by the time I returned.
He politely gestured for me to enter the coach before following suit. The coachman closed the door securely before the vehicle lurched forward.
