The Ivory chuckles, a smug little rumble from where he’s standing outside the cage door. I aim a promptly scathing glare at him while clutching the towel around my waist, despising the flush I can feel rushing up my neck into my face.
“I see you found the shower,” he chirps, pleasantly. As if I’m a houseguest, not a fuckingprisonerhe’s speaking to through the bars of mycage. “Nice, isn’t it?”
“Luxurious,” I grunt, venomously sarcastic as my gaze narrows. “Cut the shit, Diablo. What is this…? What am I doing in here?”
His head cocks. “You mean your cage? Do you not like it?”
I simply gawk at him, mouth hanging agape.
What in the holy hell am I supposed to say to that?
Sighing, he pulls a key out of his pocket—just one, long, antiquated brass, to match the cage—and uses it to unlock the door. He steps inside, and I’m immediately on edge.
“I had this built four years ago.” He strides over to the dresser and scoots in next to me. I step aside, feeling like I’ve been pushed out of the way as he opens a drawer. “After The Edge… when you kicked me in the balls.”
He turns an accusatory brow-arch at me, though there are visible traces of amusement in the gleam of his dark eyes and the curve of his full lips.
“It was actually more of a knee,” I mumble.
The mild amusement turns to a full smirk. “Right. How could I forget.” He goes on, sifting through the drawers. “You see, Angel, I knew you’d be back. It was only a matter of time.” He peeks at me again. “You know, like that song. One way, oranother, I’m gonna find you… and so on.”
Another small chuckle rumbles out of him, likely from the look of bewilderment on my face. “Anyway, when I didgetcha getcha getcha, I was absolutelynotgoing to let you fly away again. That was when I decided a birdcage would be just the thing to tie the garden aviary together.” He thrusts a handful of clothes at me. “Theperfectplace for my little bird.”
I’m gaping at him like he’s insane, a million questions, comments, and concerns flying around theaviaryin my skull.
He struts past me, and my eyes fall to the clothing I’m now cradling in my arms. I watch him as he takes a graceful seat on the bed.
“So what does that make you?” I sneer. “TheBirdmanof Alabaster Isle?”
He lets out this jovial burst of laughter that really throws me off, because of how it lights up his face and brings an incandescence to those orbs of obsidian devilry I didn’t think was possible.
“I’m not staying in here,” I stand my ground, forcing myself to push past the stupid flutters and remember who I am.
You are the son of Arturo Alvarez. You will not be bested.
Don’t make the same mistake he did and fall for the charismata of this illusionist.
“Are you sure about that?” The Ivory hums, squinting up at me.
A taunting look I’d love to dropkick off his face.
God, I cannot believe I didn’t stab him last night… I must have been high.
“Look…” I murmur, taking on a new tactic, since I know fighting back with aggression is what he wants. “You probably have a lot on your plate right now, what with the prison falling apart and your former soldiers starting a mutiny and all.”
The amusement is gone in a flash, his expression shifting to frustration-laced curiosity. I think I’m one of very few people not intimidated by that look.
Although I can’t say it doesn’t make me sorta gushy, but one problem at a time.
“I’m sure you don’t have time to be looking after yet another problem.” I take a step closer, still clutching clothes to my chest. “Especially one who has every intention of slicing you open…”
The quirk is back on his lips. “I look forward to it, Angelito. Third time’s the charm, si? That’s what they say…”
Fuming, I can practically feel the steam blowing from my ears. “Momentary lapses in judgement,” I growl.
He pulls a purposeful pout. “Of course.”
“Go ahead and underestimate me,” I hiss, then shrug to display a composure I’m losing fast. “Drop your guard,Marfil. I’ll be waiting.” I give him a smirk of my own. “If there’s one thing I have in abundance, it’s time. In fact, I havealmostas much time as I have disdain for you.”
