Page 55 of Wings of Betrayal

I nod.

“Say it.”

I stare into his grey eyes, somewhat frightened, somewhat intrigued. “No.”

A smile tugs at the corners of his lips, as if he knows the truth that I refuse to speak. He moves his hand between my legs, rubbing over my leathers.

I swallow hard and then part my lips.

“I know you did. You can lie to yourself all you like, but you can’t lie to me. Now that Astelle is gone, and Kyle doesn’t want to be with you, we can finally be together.”

I blink a few times, and he kisses me.

What the fuck are you doing?I scold myself.

I shove him again, and he removes his hand from between my legs but maintains his hold on my throat.

“You and I can rule. Together.”

I know I have to play along with whatever game this is. He has information I need about my father. He said so himself. If I do as he says, he will give it to me.

“I’ll think about it,” I tell him, and he withdraws his grip from my neck. I swallow as I rub the skin there. “You have hurt me. A lot. I’m going to need some time.”

He nods and then reaches up and brushes his fingers across my lips. “You are so beautiful.”

Before I can dodge it, he kisses me again, and I have to allow it, despite how wrong it feels. I’m thankful when he pulls back, knowing he has to give me the time I said I need.

“When will you tell me about my father?” I ask.

He smiles. “In due time. Once you are prepared to accept my offer.”

And there it is. His offer—be with me, or I’m not telling you a damn thing.

Bastard.

“Good night.” I step into my quarters, close the door, and lock it behind me.

He releases his wings and dives off my balcony, and I can finally breathe again.

I swear by the gods, if you don’t tell me what the hell’s going on, I’m coming to find you,Finlay says in my mind, sounding annoyed.

Shoot. I had completely forgotten to explain.

Sorry, I caught Amaros gifting Astelle to Zalore at the gateway. I couldn’t stop it.

What the fuck?

I know. It was pretty messed up, but in the end, she wanted to go. Amaros also told me he knows where my father is, and if I play along with his little games, he will tell me what I want to know.

Zarla… you can’t trust him!

Look, I know, okay? But I can’t risk setting him off. He just gave my sister away to a damn psychopath. I’d hate to think about what he may do to me if I really piss him off.

I’m met with silence, and I wonder if he’s decided to come and find me anyway.

Okay, I trust you know what you’re doing,he finally responds.

I do,I tell him.There’s something I have to do. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?

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