My eyes fluttered closed when soft lips brushed mine. A light touch, like he wasn’t sure if he should. Sparks flew the moment our lips made contact, and I whimpered desperately. It snapped Shade’s control, and he pressed forward, deepening the kiss.
Logic fled. My entire being zeroed in on the feeling of his lips as they caressed my own. The sharp sting of pain from the split on my lip only heightened my need, and I gripped the back of his neck, tugging him closer and drawing a low groan from his throat.
I opened for him, and he invaded my mouth, his tongue a searing exploration. A claiming.
Gods.His touch was everything, and I craved more. I wanted his skin on mine. I wanted him to touch me in ways no one else ever had. To feel him under my hands.
I shifted, intending to climb onto his lap, and the door burst open.
Chapter 20
The door opening startled me into a yelp, and I scooted back in the bed, putting distance between us. I was instantly cold without his touch. Bereft. I wanted it back, to reach out and touch him again.
Focus.I likely wouldn’t survive the next few minutes, let alone long enough to feel his skin on mine again.
“A-apologies, Adelia. I-I …” As Wista’s words trailed off, relief flooded me the way it does when you jump in a creek on a hot summer day.
Thank the Gods.
I was worried it was the king. If he found us like that, I was sure it would be the end my life, wishes or not. As it was, heat still burned my cheeks; there was no way she hadn’t seen what we were doing.
Shade leaned back in his chair, rubbing his thumb against his lips in a perfect picture of casualness. Lips that had just been on mine. I swear there was a smirk tugging at the corner of hismouth. I narrowed my eyes, and amusement danced in those silvery depths of his.
Glad he thought my moment of terror was funny. I would have to get him back for that.
Wista’s gaze darted between us before she spoke. “Uhh, I brought you breakfast. I’m assuming you’re well enough to eat at the table.”
There was a teasing glint in her eyes. Apparently, she enjoyed my embarrassment as much as Shade. I glared at her too, and he released a snort I refused to acknowledge.
“The table’s fine, thank you,” I said, ignoring the humor in her comment.
I ghosted my fingers across my swollen lips, recalling the feel of Shade’s mouth there, and followed her into the main suite. With my mind distracted, my body reacted to my surroundings first: a familiar prickling of my skin and a faint tightening in my chest.
The birds.
They watched me. Judged me. And that icy stare was all I could see. The malicious intent as the king stood over me with bloody fists.
My breathing quickened, and I clutched at my throat, an attack approaching faster than ever before.
Then Shade was there, gripping my shoulders, and gray eyes locked on me. My breathing calmed, his smoky-purloe scent invading my lungs.
Fuck.I wasn’t going to succeed if I went spiraling into panic in my own room. If I couldn’t control it now, how would I do with seeing the king again?
“Adelia.” It took me a minute to realize Shade had said my name multiple times. His facial features sharpened as the haze in my vision cleared. His eyebrows were drawn close together, and his lips pressed into a thin line.
“I’m fine.” He hesitated before releasing his hold, then trailed his finger down my arm, brushing the back of my hand and grounding me even further.
I took a steadying breath and approached the table where Wista stood twisting her hands. She said nothing as I took a seat and gulped down most of the hot healing tea waiting.
I avoided looking at the walls and magnificent window, instead focusing on my breakfast of mixed fruits, eggs, and bacon.
“Have you seen Eleanor this morning?” I asked Wista before filling my mouth with food.
She nodded. “It was difficult to keep her away when she found out you were ill. Harkin was able to convince her by taking her on a tour.”
I scowled at her mention of the red-haired lord. “She’s not leaving the castle?”
“Just the grounds, he won’t take her past the gates. Pierce is with them as well.”
