Page 24

Devon

I was reluctant to come back down here after the last time, but Horek caught me in a moment of weakness.

Now, here we are, Alik and me, alone together, and I’m most likely his heart’s fire, except we can’t know for sure until we fuck. Oh yeah, by the way, he might turn into a killer or rapist the moment you step foot into the cell. How is this my life?

I’m almost positive Alik won’t actually hurt me, but I also didn’t think he’d freak out when I was telling him all that had happened a few days ago either. He scared the shit out of me. He didn’t even know who I was. Who’s to say I won’t accidentally set him off again while I’m with him and he attacks me?

“De-von,” Alik says softly.

I glance up again and then down to find he’s seated cross-legged on the floor with his hands in his lap. With a sigh, I lower myself so we’re facing each other and our poses are mirrored.

“Do you think I’m your heart’s fire?”

His only response is a grunt. Is that supposed to mean yes or no? I sort of chuckle. “You’re no help, you know that, right?”

Alik cocks his head slightly and just stares at me.

“I keep wondering if it’s wishful thinking on my part that maybe I am. Not because I’ve ever vied for a prince as my mate. Honestly, I’d actually prefer my mate not be a prince. Way too many expectations come with being a princess.” Even Olivia complains. “I guess by wishful thinking, I just mean, maybe there’s a reason I found that hidden door that led me here. Or maybe I have such a soft heart that I hate seeing you locked in this cell, not knowing who you are or what’s going on, that I’ll believe anything if it means helping you get out of here.”

“De-von.”

I sigh. “As much as I like hearing my name, I really wish we could have an actual conversation. Maybe then you could reassure me with a little more than ‘no hurt’.”

When Alik continues to do nothing more than sit there quietly, my irritation flares. Which is probably a really bad idea given the circumstances. It’s not his fault the condition he’s in, and I know this. Emotions aren’t always rational.

“If I say a certain name again, are you going to freak out on me?”

“De-von.”

Manic laughter echoes inside my head. Christ. “Not the name I was referring to, but if we’re doing this, I want to be able to talk to you about my friends and their mates. I want to talk to you about their lives. My life. Yours. I don’t want to have to worry that you’re going to lose it again, and I know that might not be something you can promise.”

Movement from Alik startles me. He places his palm on the tempered material between us and waits, a softness in his gaze as he watches me. With a deep breath, I place my own palm against it as well. If nothing separated us, our hands would be touching. He fingers extend up far beyond mine and that’s not including the sharp black claws that extrude from his fingertips. Alik could enclose my entire fist within his with plenty of room left over, that’s how large he is.

A shudder rushes through me when a wayward thought enters my mind wondering what those hands would feel like running over my body. The prince is gorgeous with his dark copper skin and the teal hair that hangs just past his shoulders. Even his unsheared horns are hot. A flare brightens his onyx gaze that reminds me of how Horek, Carrik, and Janik’s eyes do when they watch their heart’s fires. Lindsey call it the mating fever flame of desire. Does that mean Alik’s aroused?

My pussy throbs.

“I guess we’re doing this.” Not like my mind hadn’t already been made up. “Not today though. I want to at least get cleaned up and try to look nice with a pretty dress instead of my standard pants and tee shirt.”

“Pret-ty.”

A bark of laughter explodes from me before I can stop it at the same time my face heats. “So you can say another word besides Devon. Also, thank you.”

For the first time ever, Alik smiles. It’s not big or bright and doesn’t show any teeth, but it’s still a smile. One that transforms his face. Shit, I’m in trouble. The guy was gorgeous before, but now? Now the way he looks should be down-right illegal. And he’s yours. I slam the door shut on that thought so tight my head spins. Nope, not going there. Not yet. There’s no guarantee of anything no matter how much I might suddenly want it.

I lower my hand back to my lap, and Alik does the same. “Alright, I’m gonna get going so Olivia doesn’t send in reinforcements. I’ll be back though, I promise. Tomorrow. Then we’ll…see what happens after that, I guess.”

Alik watches as I stand and brush dirt off my pants. He stays where he is. I stare down at him for a few seconds more before I finally give a short wave goodbye. After making sure the steel security door is fully closed and locked, I make my way down the hallway toward the main entrance into the pit. The guard nods as I pass.

Since I already know Olivia won’t be happy until she lays eyes on me and sees I’m okay, I weave my way through the corridors and up the few stairs leading to the lift that will take me up to the residential levels. I press the button and lean against the interior wall with a large exhale while I wait to reach the designated floor. A beep signals my arrival, and the doors slide open. A guard is posted just outside the lift and he acknowledges me with a sharp head bob.

It’s warmer up here than it is down in the pit. The scent of various flowers Lindsey would know the names of fill the air. Behind it is what smells like fresh-baked bread, warm yeast mixed with a hint of oil and herbs. My stomach growls.

The main door to Janik and Olivia’s section of the palace is open and guarded by two Bohnari males, one of whom is Derik.

I stop before the entrance. “Hi there. I’m here to see Olivia.” Since the three of us have been given free rein to come and go as we please, it’s common courtesy that has me announcing myself.

Derik—like always—gives me a polite smile, but it’s the other guard who replies. “Princess Olivia is with Prince Janik in their suite.”