Page 93 of The Kingdom of Ruin

ADDI

Idon’t know how, and I’m trying not to jinx it, but this week has been calm. Definitely too calm, and the feeling that things are going to get worse only intensifies as the moon party looms over me.

It’s tonight.

T.O.N.I.G.H.T.

And I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I’m extremely outside my comfort zone. There’s no denying it. My memory of the panic in Cassian’s eyes fades, leaving me to wonder if it’s really necessary for me to go, but then I somehow get a passing breeze of his scent in my room and I’m warped back to that moment.

I’m going. That much is for sure, whether I like it or not, and no matter what, my daggers are coming with me.

“You’re focused on all of the wrong things, Addi. What are you going to wear?”

I glare at Flora, who shrugs, unfazed by my deathly stare. When it’s clear she’s not going to relent, I sigh.

“I don’t even know,” I admit, willing an outfit to magically appear before me.

Flora is adamant that tonight is a date, no matter how many times I explain to her that my life is in danger. That part seems to go right over her head.

“He’s here.”

I frown at her, and a second later a knock comes from the door. “How?”

She taps her brain. That’s stronger than—I cut off my thoughts, worried someone could hear them as I circle to face the door with my hands planted on my hips.

“No one should be here yet, I have another hour,” I mutter, but I’m not going to get any answers standing here. Stomping toward the door, I whirl it open to see the wolf in question.

He’s wearing a fitted black tee with black jeans and black leather combat boots.

Fuck.

He can’t be my savior tonight, not when he’s such a distraction.

“Addi,” he breathes, making me shiver.

“Cassian.”

Silence descends over us as we stare off with one another until Flora clears her throat from behind me.

“I’ll leave you to it, but holler if you need me,” she mutters, squeezing my arm as she passes. I murmur my thanks as she disappears, but not before winking at me behind Cassian so he can’t see.

I roll my eyes at her, wishing she could stay as a buffer between me and the wolf, but that would only put her at risk. Not that I necessarily think he would hurt her right now, but having been on his radar for the past week or so hasn’t done me any favors, and I refuse to be the reason she comes to any harm.

Turning my attention to Cassian, I make no attempt to let him in. Yet. “You’re early.”

“I thought you might need help choosing what to wear.” The bullshit is dancing in his eyes, blazing for me to notice.

“You mean you thought I might run,” I retort, and he shrugs.

“There’s that too. Are you going to let me in?” he asks, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

“I’m considering my options,” I mumble, my lip twisting as I let him stew for a minute before offering out my hand.

His fingers wrap around mine as he steps over the threshold, filling my room and invading my space once again.

“Okay, Mr. Stylist, what should I wear?” I pull my hand from his, and he lets me go. I can’t decide whether I like it or not.

“Casual. Like what you wore to the diner with Brody. I would probably recommend flat boots this time, though, and definitely bring the daggers.”

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