“You can’t make accusations like that!” I say, nudging him with my elbow.
“You’re right. Can I just kiss you instead?” he asks, catching me off guard with the sudden shift in his mood. “I hate that you got hurt because of me,” he says, glancing at the bandage on my forearm.
I roll my eyes. “I didn’t get hurtbecauseof you.”
His body shifts and he brings his hand up to cup my chin, forcing my head up. The gesture is gentle, and I lift my eyes to meet his.
His black eyes bore into mine, reminding me of his brother. I banish Asmo from my thoughts and focus on Marik. On the sliver of silver that surrounds his iris, just like the sliver of the moon. “Next time, let me be your hero, okay?”
I nod, feeling a little breathless at our proximity. He tilts my chin up further, then softly presses his lips to mine. The last time we kissed, it was simple, easy.
This time, he takes it a step further, parting his lips. His tongue slithers into mine. His mouth moves expertly against mine, and I climb onto his lap to deepen the kiss. His hands slide down my back, but don’t go any further.
I break the kiss before itcango any further and say, “I’m sorry, Marik, but William’s waiting for me outside. To be continued?” I ask him, smiling at him.
He returns the smile, but it doesn’t meet his eyes. “Of course. Thank you for coming to check on me.”
He gives me a peck before I stand and head to the door. When I turn back to close the door, I take one last glimpse into Marik’s room to say a final goodbye. He’s not looking at me, smiling and watching me go as I was expecting. His posture is rigid, every muscle tensed as he stares at the wall, a dark expression on his face.
I hesitate, considering offering an apology or an explanation at leaving so suddenly. Although I wanted to continue, I don’t think that would be the best idea. Not if I want to prioritize building relationships with all of the princes on deeper levels.
I’m still considering turning back as I descend the stairs and head back to the main level. But any thoughts of Marik disappear as I pass Asmo in the living room, sprawled on the couch with a novel, still shirtless.
“You didn’t need to act like that toward Koa last night,” I say, avoiding looking at his eight individual abs that are on full display.
“Yes, I did,” he says, not looking up from his book.
“No, you didn’t,” I shoot back.
He turns a page of the novel. “He should have protected you,” he says in a monotone voice.
“I can protect myself,” I retort.
He sits up on the couch, dropping the novel to the seat beside him. “Oh? Really? That is news to me. Last I checked, you just started practicing your magic.”
I roll my eyes. “I was fine,” I mutter.
He picks up the coffee mug on the table in front of him. “Interesting. I think I remember coming to save you, but I could be wrong,” he says, eyeing me over the mug as he takes a sip.
“I would’ve been fine,” I retort, unwilling to back down.
“That remains to be seen. Regardless, Koa should never have been able to sleep that soundly. If he was your m—”
“Nobody told me we had company,” a deep voice says from behind me. I spin around to find Barrett standing at the bottom of the stairs, also only wearing pajama bottoms.
“She came to see her damsel-in-distress,” Asmo says, a snarky smile on his face.
Barrett’s brow furrows at Asmo’s comment.
“Marik,” Asmo clarifies. “Anyway, she was just leaving.”
“Sorry, Barrett. He’s right, though. I’ll see you later,” I say, trying to force some happiness into my voice so I don’t sound the way I really feel—annoyed. I shoot him an apologetic smile, then open the front door and step outside.
“See you tomorrow, love,” Asmo calls cheerfully.
Normally, the pet name would send my head buzzing. But right now, it just irritates me.
I don’t respond as I slam the door shut.
