Page 16 of Cinder's Trial

“Then why do you keep mentioning it?”

His lips flattened. “Just doing my job and ensuring the prince isn’t accosted when he least expects it.”

My brows lifted. “Pretty sure I haven’t done anything remotely close to accosting, nor do I plan to.”

“Good.” Levi glanced left and right. “I guess your place is secure enough.”

“This is a safe neighborhood.”

“Says everyone before something bad happens.”

I cocked my head. “Are you always this pessimistic?”

“Yes. Don’t forget, I know what people are capable of. I see the worst in humanity more often than most.”

“You could change jobs.”

“No, I can’t. This is my cross to bear.”

Why did he make it sound like his job as a Knight acted as penance?

“What time should I expect you in the morning?”

“What time can you be ready?”

“I get up at dawn. So any time after seven works for me.”

“I’ll be here.”

“You’d better, or you’re paying for my taxi,” I warned.

“You have my number?” he asked as he stood on the threshold.

“Probably.”

“Call if you hear or see anything out of the ordinary.”

“I talk to and live with animals. Define ordinary.”

Be still my heart, his lips quirked into an almost smile. “How about if anything scares you?”

“That covers too many things to count.”

“I’ll bet you’re braver than you think.”

A compliment? What was happening here? “I’d rather not test your confidence in that respect. See you in the morning, Sir Knight.”

“My name is Levi.” And with that, he left, yet the scent of him lingered, and I must have stood there mooning because Izzy nudged my ankle.

I glanced down. “Yes, he’s an interesting man.”

Very. Also annoying. But handsome.

A good thing he wasn’t a prince or I might have run into a problem resisting.

Just ask my dreams, where Levi knelt to put on my slipper and I didn’t run away when he kissed me and… let’s just say things got steamy.

Levi called Hannah. “The prince is secure for the night?”

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