I honestly don’t think I could handle that.
“We should get some sleep,” Kirian says, stopping in front of his bedroom. “We’ll start planning the trip in the morning.” He points to a room down the hall. “The guest suite has been prepared for you, but I’d prefer it if you slept in my room.”
I’m torn. How many times have I begged Kirian to stay the night with me in my treehouse? A lot. I would’ve given anything to have a sleepover with the big hunky fae.
But things are different now. We’ve kissed. Feelings and truths are out in the open.
If we’re in the same bed, I’m not sure I can resist mauling him. I might not even do it on purpose. It might happen in my sleep.
And then the curse would be permanent for sure, all because I couldn’t keep my lips to myself.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I want to question him more. I want him to tell me there’s a zero percent chance he’ll be matched with his mate when we go see the witch.
But he seems determined to keep the information to himself. We’ve played this game before. No matter how much I pester him, he’ll give me half-truths and riddles until I give up.
“I’ll take the guest suite.” My reply is quiet and sad.
Kirian frowns. “Are you sure?”
No. “Yes.”
Displeased, he purses his lips and raises an eyebrow.
Gah, he’s so cute when he doesn’t get his way.
“All right.” Cupping my face, he leans down, like he’s going to kiss me. But he stops halfway and straightens. “Torius will be standing guard outside your door, so don’t be surprised if you find him there in the morning.”
“Is that necessary?” Just as I ask, I see the tattooed fae approaching us. He’s got at least three swords strapped to his belt, and the hilt of a dagger is sticking out of his right boot.
“Just a precaution,” Kirian tells me, escorting me to the suite.
Although it’s only one room with an attached bathroom, the décor is similar to Kirian’s room. Even the bed looks the same.
Walking around to each lantern, Kirian turns a knob at the bottom to dim the light. I stand in the middle of the room, watching his prowling movements. His tailored pants fit his behind perfectly. With each stride, his glutes flex and shift under the blue material.
When he’s done, he comes over to me. “You’ll need help getting out of your dress.”
“Is your mom coming up?”
“No.” His fingers spasm at his sides.
Oh. So he plans to undo the trillion buttons down my backside himself. Swallowing, I turn around.
Kirian gently sweeps my hair to the side, draping it over my shoulder. His callouses scrape over my skin as he finds the first pearl mid-back. It easily slides through the loop, then he moves down to the next one.
Cool air wafts over my exposed spine as the material slowly parts. With every inch, my insides burn a little hotter. My lower belly clenches. Wetness pools in my center.
Everything is quiet, except for our breathing.
My lungs suck in air with shallow puffs, and my breasts strain against the low-cut top with every inhale. Heaving bosoms, anyone?
This is the sexiest moment of my life.
Unfortunately, it’s over too soon.
Kirian makes it down to the last button. It’s just above my butt crack, and I swear his touch lingers there longer than necessary.
Holding the dress to my chest, I pivot toward him. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Pressing his nose to the top of my head, he murmurs, “Goodnight, young one.”
“Goodnight.” I grip his forearm, and I’m so close to begging him to take me back to his bed with him.
But I don’t.
Instead, I watch him leave.
As he shuts the door, I hear him exchange a few terse words with my “precaution.”
And all I can think is… a precaution for what?
Quinn
I hate being alone here. It’s dark and unfamiliar.
As I stare up at the dark canopy, I think about the predicament I’m in. I’m engaged. Sort of. But probably not for long, thanks to my meddling.
At least the bed is comfortable. The mattress must be made with the golden goose feathers, because it conforms to my backside in the most perfect way. It’s like being on a cloud.
Maybe the feathers are enchanted, lulling me into a false sense of security.
Although my eyes sting with threatening tears, it doesn’t take me long to fall asleep. Thoughts of snooty nobles and Kirian’s fated mate slip away as my lids droop.
In my dream, I’m flying. I have wings of my own and Kirian’s by my side. We laugh as we soar over the palace together. The night sky above us shines bright with the three moons and thousands of twinkling stars. I’ve never been happier.
But now I’m waking up. It takes me a second to figure out why—I’m cold.
The nightgown that was hanging up for me in the bathroom is long and old-fashioned, but the material is light. Not enough to keep me warm in a drafty room.
When I open my eyes, I reach for the covers to pull them up.
But my heart nearly stops when I see a shadow looming over me.
It’s not the canopy. There’s a distinct outline of wings, long hair, and the glint of something metal.
Something sharp.
I scream. Crab-walking backward, my shoulders hit the solid wooden headboard.
Within a split second, Torius bursts in, a lantern in one hand and a long sword in the other.
I’m still screaming, but when I look back at where the dark figure was, there’s nothing.
“Milady?” Torius briefly glances at me before scanning the room with his light-green eyes.
“I—I thought I saw something. I’m sorry.” Hugging my knees to my chest, I try to calm my racing heart.
I’m shaken up, panting. I can’t seem to get enough air.
Kirian comes barreling in next, his white pants hung loosely on his hips like he just tugged them on and didn’t have time to tie the drawstring. His wings are
