Kyan searched my face, and he scrubbed at his mouth, regret painting his features.
I gave nothing away with my expression. None of the pain in my heart.
His face softened, turning beseeching.
“Please understand, Briar. I regret all of it. How we handled your presence. How we treated you.” He inhaled sharply. “I’m sorry I didn’t do more.”
None of what he said fazed me. I continued staring at him.
“Are you done?” I finally asked when the quiet became deafening.
I heard his swallow in the otherwise-silent room.
“Sorry. I’ll give you time alone.” He backed up but didn’t close the door completely.
I finished drying my hair and tossed the towel at the hamper, completely missing it. I nestled into the bed, rubbing my cheek on the folded soft blanket, and hugged it to my chest.
Lying there, I waited for sleep to come. Hours had passed since we arrived, and now it was dusk. Based on Kyan’s appearance, I didn’t think I’d have much more time to myself.
The mattress bounced as I tried to find a spot. I flopped over. I couldn’t get comfortable. Everything feltoff.
I’d already been lying here for a while.
It was too bouncy.
I rolled off the bed and propped my fists on my hips. This wasn’t going to work. Reaching for the thick comforter, I stretched it out on the floor, then grabbed the soft blanket and pillow and tossed them on top.
Settled on the ground, I tucked myself under the blanket.
This was more like it. I sighed, and my eyes were becoming harder to keep open. I yawned and tucked my knees higher.
A creak had me freezing.
I’d become so attuned to sounds.
I didn’t move as a body curled against my back.
“Don’t,” I hissed.
“I’m not Kyan,” Sinclair’s accented voice drawled. “You won’t scare me away with your little tantrums.”
So, he’d heard our conversation. Were they always lurking?
His big hand clamped over my shoulder, and his weight pinned me on my back.
I stayed tense and smacked his chest, but as much as I pushed, he was a rock. My hand slid up, and my fingers raked against his skin.
Wait a moment.Our skin touched.
I froze, panting.
“I knew it,” he whispered. “You didn’t claim me, so no Bond Sickness.” His pearly teeth flashed in the dark room.
Unbelievable. I glared up at him, but his weight fell harder on me, and his nose settled in the crook of my neck, breathing me in. His hand slid under my shirt.
“You’re cold.” I didn’t recognize the soft tone of his. It put me on edge.
“Get off me.”
