Silence presses in around us.
“You know this isn’t okay right?” my voice is quiet like I’m talking to a wild animal.
“I know,” he says hoarsely. “I just needed you to hear me out.”
I chew on my bottom lip.
“Can you tell me what you were going to say that day, please?”
He leans against the wall, his head thrown back. The soft lamp light highlights every muscle and vein that I can see. His Adam's apple bobs as he swallows.
“I wanted to tell you how I feel. That…I’ve never felt this way before. This urge, this draw towards you. I can’t begin to explain it. If Tex were here, he’d tell me to speak up or shut up. Probably laugh at my expense.” He huffs out a dry broken laugh.
“But it’s not that simple.” He keeps his eyes locked with mine. “You got under my skin, like you were eating me alive. My darkness recognizes yours.You’re mine. You willalwaysbe mine. There will never be anyone else. Not for me.”
It feels like someone sucked all the oxygen out of the room. It takes a moment for my brain to remind my lungs to breathe with his eyes holding mine this way.
Jace pushes off the wall, putting a knee on the bed. He leans over me and runs a hand down the side of my face.
“I know you feel it too,” he whispers.
My breath hitches. He has me tied up and just a few hours ago I accused him of helping kill Tex. How can I manage to stillfeelsomething for this asshole?
He’s right and I hate it.
There’s always been something here, even when I deny it, even when heacts ridiculous. That strange draw that made me grab him after the cage, some crazy current between us. But right now, right after losing Tex, it feels wrong.
“No.” I tilt my chin up. “I don’t.”
He smirks.
“I’ll be here when you stop lying to yourself.”
He leans up and starts undoing my restraints.
“I was wrong, I’m sorry.” I say.
His gaze snaps to mine.
“Not about that.” I roll my eyes. “Earlier. I just got in my head about things, thoughts repeating over and over. It made me feel…a little bit crazy.”
My hands drop, finally free, and I immediately bring my arms down, sighing in relief. I rub gently over my wrists.
“I’m not trying to replace him. No one can. We’ve always been different. I just want the chance to show you I can be what you need.”
I blink as he moves to untie my feet.
“What?” I ask, dumbfounded.
“Just…don’t assume the worst of me. Please.” He gives me a small smile.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you be so polite before.” I prop myself up on my elbows.
He gives me a small laugh.
“What’s that saying? You catch more bees with honey?”
The massive oakdoors swing open. The chamber lit with the usual torches. The twenty masked members surround the table, with Lucian standing at the head.
