“No, Russ, I don’t–”
“Exotic flowers. Dahlias to be exact. And Jasmine. A sweet and calming fragrance.” As his smile returns, I try forcing a response. Nothing. I’m silenced by his flattery.
I’ve been reading Blaise’s book and hacking into Rebirth formore information. True, it’s not as invasive, but some privacy guidelines were still broken on my behalf. I want to be mad but that would be hypocritical. Also, I came across an informative topic, resulting in my over harshness with Alex now knowing he struggles more with understanding emotions. *Sigh*
“Would you care to know what all I smell? Like now, I’m getting a whiff of–”
“Nope, we’re ending this topic. I need to wrap my brain around–wait, you can smell when I shower?” His brow rises, reflecting, yet again, my instant regret. “Nope, don’t answer.” Groaning, I run a hand along my face. “You’re a literal puppy.” Chuckling at the thought, it’s all I can do not to freak out more.
Stepping out of Black Wing’s hallway into the crisp open air, I am grateful for the breeze that tames my heated skin, gifting fresh air to breathe.
“Your fragrance contains traces of aura, Kyra. Magic, which filters into me like a calling beacon. Instinctually, I’m unable to avoid it. And before you ask, yes, I sense everyone else as well. Yours, however, is much stronger, and I happen to enjoy it. If I’m allowed honesty.” He shrugs.
Despite his ridiculous claim and outrageous info dump, I’m blushing for a different reason.At least he thinks I smell good. I’ll take it.
“So, not like a puppy? Shame, it would’ve been cute. The puppy, not you.” Arching a brow and nudging him, I feel all my tension ease as we head towards House Death. The sounds of leaves rustling become therapeutic in a sense.
“Does it come with scratches behind the ear?”
“What?” I laugh.
“Being a puppy, does it come with scratches behind the ear?” He is flirting, and damn it, it’s working.How is this not incredibly cute?
“Later, Russ, I’m going to shower and take a nap. Be a good boy and don’t go sniffing after me.” Biting my lip, I hold down my flirtatious smirk,aching to be seen.
Golden embers tint his light brown eyes, and a surge of warm water brushes against my neck. His aura is welcomed by my own. But before I give in and stay, allowing him a response, red engulfs me, and I’m gone in a blink.Nice try. A damn nice try.
Chapter 39
Living my Nightmare
KYRA
I’mup hours later from someone patting my back. But now sitting up, I don’t see a soul in sight.“Blaiseeee.”The whisper returns, and at this point, whatever.
Treading into the bathroom, I yawn and stretch then relieve my bladder. After a few minutes lapse, I’m ready to jump back into bed. Alex made one hell of a point about getting rest. Four hours later, eight on earth, I feel better butdesiremore.
A quick glance in the mirror reflects a crooked bonnet I correct, then I pull down the hoodie over my panties and smile. Catching sight of a bottle of body wash by the shower, I’m reminded of Russ’s text after my earlier shower.‘I can smell you’re using lavender and warm vanilla soap. It’s new. I like it.’I laughed hard, sending a middle finger emoji with ‘LMAO,’ then turned my phone on silent.
Stepping out of the bathroom again, I’m startled by a dark figure moving about.Shit, how’d a gloom get in here?Creating two metal daggers and forfeiting more sleep, I prepare an attack as a pair of hunting, bright eyes blink at me.
“What the hell are you doing in my room, Ethan!” I yell, relieved it’s him instead of a gloom. Though, under these circumstances, myodds with the latter may be better.Why’s he here?My phone glows from a text, but there are more pressing matters to contend with. Refocusing on him, I say, “I asked you a question.” I grip my weapons and match his scowl.
He remains perched on a chair of his design, against the furthest wall at my bed’s right side, returning a pair of golden, glowing eyes beneath the hood of his brows. This much I can see beyond my blackout curtains.
Threats manifest in the form of energy slithering up my arms with crippling inflictions, aiming for the tender flesh around my throat. I lift my chin, allowing his aura access. Never again will I back down or cower.
“I won’t ask you again, Ethan.” I hold steadfast against the touch of his magic.Fine, don’t answer.
Dissolving the curtains, I reclaim their energy as blinding rays enter, smothering all shadows hidden in the corners of my room. His gaze drops to my thighs, lingering with such intense passion and rage that the heat from his stare tingles over my exposed flesh.
But again, I don’t shy away. He has seen plenty of me, and I refuse to let his distaste of my body hold an opinion.
Those dreadful orbs scale back up, and we become locked. Fixated, like always. He squints, and magic so thick pushes against my aura, fluttering my hoodie fromitalone, and tightening his hold around my neck.
This time, I use my own aura to keep him from suffocating me.
“Clever girl,” he snarls, curling his lips. “You had me fooled, I’ll admit. But then again, you never tried hiding it, did you?”
