His deep voice growls, “No.”
I give it one last shot. “Please know that seducing you was not part of the original plan.” I dare a jaunty wink. “But an added perk.”
He’s completely unmoved and only offers a dull ‘Hm’ in response. My unease builds into a cold trickle down my insides. I’ve never had to work this hard to crack his anger. I dart a nervous glance at Lucas, whose lips thin. We’re going to have to be extremely careful to get out of this mess.
Valen strolls over to the large golden globe on a pedestal in the far corner of the room. He spins it and the metal slides open to reveal a glinting crystal bar set within. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“N-no.” Magic nudges me, firmly but gently forcing me off the desk and on my feet. The desk rights itself, papers fluttering as they neatly stack themselves, pens rolling back in place. The book places itself in the center and I linger, eyes searching its cover for damage. I let out a slow breath when I confirm the beautiful book is unscathed.
A chill pebbles my skin and I pull my shirt close as best I can, tucking it in to secure it. Satisfied, I look up and come face to face with Valen again. My breath sucks right back in and my heart kicks up into a pounding rhythm. Desire coils, parting my lips. I should really figure out why Valen’s anger can be such a terrifying turn-on. A flash of a smile tugs at me, my eyelids lowering. There’s one sure way to snap him out of this mood, but then Lucas would have to sit on the couch and watch while Valen takes me on the desk.
Pressure builds in my core and my eyes flare, a reaction I shove away for a different time.
Valen lifts his crystal glass to his lips, the large, clear ice cube sliding within the amber liquid. His throat moves hypnotically, distracting me from realizing that he’s waiting for me to move.
A blush creeps up my cheeks and I quickly step to the side. If I could slap myself without looking like a lunatic, I would. I need to get my shit together and fast. We’re in a viper’s den and we’ll be eaten alive if we’re not careful.
Valen takes a seat in his father’s chair and gestures before him. “Sit.”
Two armchairs materialize before the desk. Lucas glances at me, but I don’t dare take my eyes off Valen. I sit down dutifully, my legs crossing at the knee. After a moment’s pause, Lucas joins me. The chairs are stiff and the seats slightly too long. It forces the sitter to either sit straight on the edge or awkwardly lean back. Lucas chooses to sprawl arrogantly in his, meeting Valen’s cold stare head-on with a smirk.
Valen coolly appraises my friend and his hand on his knee ripples in a drum, the gold Bauer signet ring flashing in the light. He swirls his drink before taking one more sip and I regret not taking the offered drink. It would give me something to do while Valen seizes control of the situation. If his kiss was to throw me off kilter, he’s done a spectacular job. I’m twitchy, foggy, and a touch too horny to breathe.
The crystal glass touches down on the smooth wood. “Let’s try this again. Why are you really here?”
Lucas’ confident inflection worsens the pressure between my thighs as he answers, “What can we say? We were in the neighborhood.”
Valen’s icy gaze lands on me and I gulp. “Astoria. I don’t enjoy being toyed with.”
My eyes squeeze shut. He’s using that tone with me. There’s no way Valen doesn’t know what that tone, in this room, does to me. He’s angry, but it’s still a seduction, and it’s working too well. Damn him. I need tothink. I need to make a plan that doesn’t involve weird boundary-pushing sex with my ex in front of my best friend.
What I need is to find that amulet before Vincentius discovers us thieving.
Vincentius. My eyes snap open. “Where is Vincentius?”
Valen scans me. “You’re very lucky that it was me who discovered you and not him. What my father finds out about this little act depends solely on what you do next. You might’ve been able to get in easily, but I can guarantee that the wards won’t let you back out.”
My spine goes rod-straight, my stomach plummeting. “You knew I came in.”
His smile is slow, mischievous. He takes another sip.
Anger flares with a prickle of embarrassment. I should’ve seen it coming and now he’s made a fool out of me. Again. “Asshole.”
“You’re the one who used your password for nefarious means. Don’t be cross because I made certain that I’d know if you came back here. After all, you already stole from me once.” His eyes slide over me. “What I didn’t expect was you to be so reckless as to try it a second time days later.”
My jaw clenches and my hands grip together in my lap.
Glass empty, he sets it on the desk. His elbows rest on the wood, arms folding as he leans forward to pin me in place with his gaze. “If you tell me what you need, then I might be inclined to strike a deal, even though you don’t deserve it.” He nods towards the enchanted door. “You’ll have a hell of an easier time getting through if you do.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek. He does have a point. It would be infinitely easier with Valen on our side. He might know where the stupid thing is. Then I’ll be able to collect it quickly, get back to my shop, subdue the spider, and retrieve my grimoire before the pain in my chest gets worse.
Twelve days…
My nail picks at the chair’s armrest. “There’s this amulet…”
Lucas stiffens, but Valen’s gaze is unwavering on me. “Go on.”
Adrenaline pumps in my blood. “I remember seeing it in the hidden library. It’s called the Amulet of Ac?—”
