Page 117 of Her Ivory Flame

“I’ll send Boone in to guard you while I’m gone.” Kaden said calmly behind her, probably knowing she was upset about her performance and not him. “I’ll be back as quickly as I can.”

She just nodded over her shoulder and slammed the door behind her to the bathroom without another word. The dirt and sweat on her was suffocating and she needed to try and relax before their talk tonight.

The inground basin filled faster than she anticipated and she watched the steam rising off the water as she peeled her clothes off. It was large, almost like a mini pool but once she got all the way in, she felt her body instantly relax.

Everytime she looked into Kaden’s eyes during training she could feel herself slip and he would knock her down instantly. It was almost like the first day of training recurring and she hated herself for it.

Her mind was set on their talk tonight, but she still had this lingering feeling he would reject her. It was more of a fear, everythingthat had happened with Silas still scaring her but deep down she knew Kaden was different.

He was her mate and that had to mean something to him,shehad to mean something to him.

Sliding down into the water, she let her head fully submerge and she tried to focus on the feeling of the water around her instead of the stress in her mind.

She surfaced a minute later and leaned against one of the curved edges meant to hold her head comfortably.

Her mind wandered to the information about the kings, the brother’s betrayal and why it happened. She had never known Emris to be a violent man, but then she didn’t know him all that well other than during the war.

It would make sense though, the reason Mavros would want her power so badly. He wanted to try and destroy the man that killed the love of his life.

Part of her didn’t blame him.

Even though they hadn’t declared their feelings, the thought of something happening to Kaden at this point might just send her off the edge into darkness and she wouldn’t want to come back.

She waited until the water went cold before getting out and once she dried herself off, she walked out into the room with her towel wrapped around her.

Kaden was sitting on the bed with the same book she read in the secret room on his lap, his eyes darting up to her as she entered. Shemust have been in there longer than she thought if he had already gone and returned. She hadn't even heard Boone arrive or leave. She paused a step and she felt that tether pull towards him, her grip on her towel tightening.

“Get dressed in clothes you can wear outside,” he said, his eyes not wandering from hers.

“I thought we aren’t supposed to leave our rooms at night?”

“I don’t care,” he said and set the book on the bed before moving towards her.

She planted her feet and tried to keep her breathing even when he stopped inches from her. Water dripped from her hair and slid down her face, his eyes watching her intently.

“I have an idea for training.” he purred and lifted her chin up higher to look her directly into the eye.

“I already did my training for the day.” she taunted back.

“I decide when your training is done, remember?”

The tone was more playful than harsh and she smirked up at him. “Whatever you say.”

A few minutes later she had dressed in thicker leather pants and a long-sleeved shirt, boots laced up to her knees. It was still a little colder in the evenings, but she figured they would not be out very long and tied her hair up in a damp ponytail.

“Where are we going?” she asked following him to the widow.

“I saw something outside while in Oak’s office and I think it will be fun.” His eyes brightened and he opened the window, pulling her closer against his body.

Every inch of her skin was suddenly searing with need, the touch of him setting her body into a lustful spiral and she had to look away from him to hide her blushing face.

“Hold on,” he whispered and she wrapped her arms up around his neck.

They were on the second floor and as soon as they passed the threshold of the window, his wings spread out wide and carried them up into the dark sky. Clouds covered the stars and moon making it safer for him to fly without being seen.

She glanced down and saw the surrounding estate, small lights surrounding the vast pond and first hundred yards around the entire mansion. It was well kept, but she shouldn’t be surprised with the amount of money Oak spent.

They were in the air for only a few minutes before she noticed Kaden’s destination up ahead.