He leans down, his voice a whisper in my ear, “They’re not as pretty as you, though.”
“Oh, they’ll be so disappointed to hear you think that,” I say jokingly.
I step away and find Koa’s eyes, only to find him staring at us already, the expression on his face unreadable. “I’ll see you later, Koa,” I say with a smile and a wave before heading back to the castle.
The “errand” I need to run is talking to Cally.
William, as always, is on guard at the front doors of the castle.
“Hi, William! Would you mind escorting me to Bound?”
He nods, takes a step forward, then stops. “What is Bound, Your Highness?”
“Oh! Sorry, it’s my bookstore. It’s in downtown Pinebend. Can you portal us there?”
He nods vigorously. “It would be my honor. After you, Your Highness.”
I shoot him a glare. “What have I said about that?”
He grimaces and apologizes, making me feel bad for chastising him. I offer him an apologetic smile, then turn on my heels and head out of the oversized front doors toward the approved portal location.
As we near the clearing, Asmo comes walking down the path. His hands are stuffed into his black trousers, and his crisp white shirt billows in the wind. I can’t tear my eyes from him as he walks. From here, I can pretend he’s not the asshole High Prince. From here, I can pretend he hasn’t hurt me.
His last words echo through me as I watch him.Let me know if you need someone else to choke you.A delicious shiver rolls down my spine.
His gaze is focused on the forest, his sharp jawline on display as he takes in the scenery. He turns his head and his gaze finds mine. Those butterflies take flight again as our eyes meet. No, not butterflies—this feels like small bolts of lightning are landing directly on my heart.
A corner of his mouth lifts as every step brings him closer to me. “Hello, Your Highness,” he croons as he forms a deep bow. “Going somewhere?” he asks, glancing at William.
“Hi, Asmo,” I say, trying desperately not to seem like I was just staring at him. Trying desperately not to seem like I was just thinking about what his hands would feel like around my throat. That corner of his mouth twitches up even further.
I refrain from shaking my head, a habit I have when I try to clear my jumbled thoughts. Instead, I stand taller. “I’m about to go visit my bookstore,” I say proudly.
“Wonderful,” he says, clapping his hands together. “I’m in need of a new book. Shall we?” he says, taking a step closer and falling in line beside me.
I hesitate. The last time I was alone with him, it ended with me busting my head open on the shower floor. But I remember Elle’s advice. I have to make nice with Asmo. I inhale, forcing crisp air into my lungs.
“Sure,” I say, forcing enthusiasm into my voice.
His answering chuckle is low, rumbling in his chest. He steps forward, and I have no choice now but to follow him. After a few steps, he stops and turns.
“I’ll escort her,” he says to William.
William freezes. “Bu—”
Asmo’s glare turns dark. “Do you not think I can protect her?”
“Of course you can, Prince Asmo,” William mutters.
“Stop, Asmo. He’s just doing his job.” Annoyance laces my tone.
He tilts his head back to me, then back to William. His gaze softens. “Thank you for protecting her. I can take it from here.”
William hesitates, then looks at me. I give him a reassuring nod. “It’s okay, William. Thank you, though. Please return to the castle.” He gives me a final nod, then turns and heads back to his post.
“Where are we going?” Asmo asks. I turn to him, finding his piercing gaze locked on me.Zap.
“It’s in Pinebend. Do you know it?” I ask, unable to meet his gaze for more than a second.
