“I’ll have to take your word for it.”
Because, like plenty of other things he’d seen taking place within these walls, Kaj had no desire to experience it for himself.
Chapter Nine
Acadia had been pleasantly surprised by Kaj’sarrival for the morning meal. And while he hadn’t sat with them, it had been a comfort to know he was in the same room. Why? Well, she wasn’t sure she could answer that. For whatever reason, she found herself missing his nearness despite the fact he’d been feeding from her for the past couple of days.
While she suspected that was his reason for wanting to speak with her, she looked forward to those few stolen moments they could be together.
Yes, she knew she sounded like a lovesick human, but it couldn’t be helped. There was no denying her feelings for the male even if they’d had a rocky go of it these past couple of months. Perhaps it was due to the fact she’d lived without him for the eighteen months he’d been gone. Having him back, seemingly for good, made her not want to waste another minute.
Of course, her pride didn’t quite agree with her. He had hurt her, and a small part of her had a difficult time opening up to him again, fearful he would cause more pain when she wasn’t looking.
“I’ll see you both this evening,” Acadia said politely to the two females she’d shared her meal with.
“Have a good day,” Elizabeth stated, her eyes twinkling.
Acadia was so happy to see that some of the fog had lifted from Elizabeth’s eyes. When Orianna’s mother had come to the mansion, she’d been in a medication-induced fog. The human doctors had done their best to accommodate her pain by plying her with various opioids until Elizabeth could barely function. With Amethyst handling her care now, it seemed the healer had figured out a better way to manage her pain while still allowing her a chance to experience each day with some clarity. And to see Elizabeth joining them for the daily meals was such a delight.
“Thank you,” Acadia told the female before heading toward the kitchen.
She found Kaj standing beside the island, chatting it up with Jeffrey and Phillip while theheurospprepared to clear the dining room once everyone was finished.
When she stepped into the space, his eyes lifted and settled on her.
Acadia waited patiently while he finished his conversation, content to simply admire the male. He looked handsome in his black T-shirt and jeans. She half expected to see him wearing something more suitable for a man of his stature. Then again, she knew he hadn’t quite stepped into those shoes he’d been slated to fill, continuing to ride the line between his previous role as the right hand to the Alpha and being the Alpha himself.
No matter what he wore—a T-shirt and jeans or a three-piece suit—Kaj was the most handsome male she’d ever laid her eyes on. And that was saying something considering the beauty that surrounded her. The angels were designed to be spectacular, there was no doubt about it. Yet the king of vampires stole the show with little effort.
“If you’ll excuse me,” Kaj told theheurospbefore sauntering toward her.
When he approached, Acadia smiled up at him. “You wanted to speak with me?”
His smile was sexy. “I wanted to spend some time with you.”
“Oh?” He held out his arm and she easily slid hers through. “Where are we going?”
“I thought we’d go for a swim.”
She chuckled. “Really?”
“Yes. Really.”
Because she had no reason to decline his request, Acadia fell into step with him. They strolled beyond the kitchen, through the front formal living space, then to the hall that led toward the garage and the entrance to the pool. Kaj paused to open the door for her, then held it while she stepped inside.
Acadia was instantly hit with a wall of humidity, the scent of chemicals strong in the air.
Kaj took her hand, this time leading her around the Olympic-size pool with its eight lanes and over to the enormous hot tub that regally sat in the far corner.
“I do not have a swimsuit,” she informed him.
“Neither do I.” His smile was wicked.
“Then I guess we shall wear nothing,” she teased.
“Sounds like a perfect plan to me.”
There was a strange fluttering in her belly, something she wasn’t sure she’d ever felt before. Acadia found she liked the sensation because it was something akin to anticipation mixed with desire.
