There it was the jagged scar slicing down Torin's cheek, glinting in the light as if it wanted me to notice it. I couldn’t help wonder why they were marked so differently. Why did Cillian carry himself with restraint, while Torin radiated entitlement like a spoiled brat?
“What do you want? I asked, instinctively pulling the covers tighter. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t come into the room uninvited. Do you have no manners at all?”
Torin smirked and stepped inside with a swagger that made my skin crawl. I’d seen little of him over the past few days and had hoped that would continue. His presence now felt like a violation. Maybe his intrusion was deliberate, like he wanted me off balance. Or maybe that was just my paranoia waking up before I did.
“My dreams are my business,” I said, trying to sound firm. “Do I walk into your room while you’re sleeping?”
His grin widened. “Not yet, but the door is always open my lovely Tilly. I’d welcome the sight of your face when I awoke any day.”
I didn’t flinch. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. But the unease in my chest deepened. Even though Cillian had said I’d have time to choose, Torin clearly didn’t play by the rules.
“Well, since you decided to spy on me while I slept,” I said, “now that I’m awake, tell me what you want and leave.”
Torin crossed his arms and studied me like I was already his. I sat up straight to let him see I wasn’t shrinking. Not for him or any of them.
“I wasn’t spying,” he said. “I was merely... observing. You looked so peaceful, bathed in the sunlight. I couldn’t resist looking at you.”
“You were watching me sleep,” I said coldly. “That’s not curiosity, it’s creepy. Don’t you think?”
He shrugged my rebuke off. His reaction too casual for someone who had crept into my room. “We all have our pleasures. Yours is art and nature. Mine? Well, mine is fine wine, sumptuous food, and exquisite women.”
“Don’t flatter yourself by including me in that list,” I snapped back.
“Oh, I haven’t. Not yet.” He raised an eyebrow, eyes gleaming. “I can see why Cillian is enchanted by you. You’re exquisite. But his mind is still that of a boy. You deserve more than a boy’s attention.”
“You’re the one acting like a child,” I said, voice low and fierce. “You’re the half immortal or whatever you want to call yourself, supposedly older and wiser, yet here you are, acting like a spoiled boy.”
Torin grinned. “And you act too old for a young woman.” he teased.
“You barely know me,” I said. “And your comments are stupid.”
He moved toward the foot of the bed and picked up the robe I’d intended to reach for. Toying with the silky fabric, he sniffed a lace-trimmed sleeve.
“Delightful,” he murmured. “I’ve always adored the fragrance of roses. How much better must the fragrance be on your skin, Tilly?”
I stared at him, unimpressed.
“You’re disrespectful beyond belief.”
I turned away. I wouldn’t play his staring game.
He moved closer, the silk slipping through his fingers. “Am I?” he asked. “You don’t even know me. Although I do have many ways of making you tremble.”
I didn’t hide my disgust.
“Actually, I can imagine. And I have no interest in discussing your fantasies. Will you please leave?”
“You’re denying your feelings,” he insisted. “You find me a challenge. You crave the chase more than you admit. But the curse will leave you no option. Your eyes reveal what’s truly in your heart. Until now, you’ve never dealt with a real man.”
His words brought heat to my cheeks. I hated that he saw it. My scars had always made me cautious. Donte was the first who didn’t seem to notice them. But Torin’s intrusion wasn’t about connection, it was about control.
“You presume too much,” I snapped. “No woman wants to be treated like a pet. Maybe you should find someone who actually wants your attention.”
Torin chuckled.
“Oh, I needn’t search elsewhere. My focus is fixed on you. Intrigue and stubbornness, they’re magnetic, whether you own it or not”
“You see nothing,” I said.
