What is wrong with me?
“I need to think about it,” I manage, my voice barely above a whisper.
Hex nods slowly. Like he expected this answer. Like he’s perfectly content to wait.
“As you wish,” he says. Then his grin turns wicked again. “But these wards won’t last forever, Adam. Eventually, they’ll fade. And when they do, I’ll be right here. Waiting.”
The promise in his words sends a shiver down my spine. Not entirely from fear.
“Now get some sleep,” Hex says, his form already starting to dissipate. Shadows pulling apart like smoke. “You look exhausted.”
“Whose fault is that?” I mutter.
His laughter echoes through the room even as he fades completely. “Sweet dreams, little human with claws.”
And then he’s gone. The temperature returns to normal. The lamp stops flickering. The shadows retreat to their normal corners where they belong.
I’m alone in my bedroom, surrounded by crystals and salt and the lingering smell of sage.
I flop backwards onto my pillows and press both hands over my burning face.
He wants to kiss me. Touch me. Make me feel good. And all I have to do is let down the wards and invite him in.
It’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard. It’s also the most tempting idea I’ve ever heard.
I grab my pillow and scream into it. Long and loud and full of frustration.
This is fine. Everything is fine. I’m just having a complete mental breakdown while a shadow prince tries to seduce me into being his personal snack bar.
Totally normal. Completely reasonable.
I roll onto my side and stare at the crystals on my nightstand. They glint innocently in the lamplight.
How long will they last? A week? A month? And what happens when they weaken? What happens when Hex can reach me again?
The thought should terrify me.
Instead, a small, traitorous part of me is already looking forward to it.
I’m so screwed.
Chapter 6
I’ve Got This
IarriveatCoffeelicioustwentyminutes early because I couldn’t stand being alone in my flat anymore. Felix is already there, leaning against the counter in full goth glory. Today’s lipstick is deep burgundy, his eyeliner sharp enough to cut glass. He looks like he could murder someone and get away with it because no one would dare to get in his way. I wish I had even a fraction of his confidence.
“You look like shit,” he announces before I’ve even taken off my jacket. So much for subtle greetings.
“Good morning to you too,” I mutter, grabbing my apron from the hook behind the counter.
His dark eyes narrow as he studies me with that unnerving intensity he has. “Your aura is all over the place. Did the wards work? What happened?”
I busy myself with tying my apron strings, focusing on getting the bow just right. Anything to avoid his penetrating stare. “Nothing happened.”
“Liar.” He says it flatly, without accusation. Just stating a fact.
I sigh and turn to face him properly because there’s no point trying to hide anything from Felix. He can read me like a book, always has been able to. “The wards worked. Sort of. He couldn’t get through the barrier, but he showed up anyway.”
