Page 51 of Entranced By the Basilisks

“As am I, my spark, as am I.” Ari flips his hand, and our fingers intertwine.

My breath leaves me at the sight, the feel of his strength. It’s not an obvious thing, but his careful grip speaks to his capabilities. All day this man has tempted me in small ways, touches, whispers, and the scent of him when he’d stand too close. This moment is different. It’s significant, but I don’t know why.

I look up and Ari’s gaze cuts through my thoughts. It’s a juxtaposition. Intense and soft at the same time. He squeezes my hand and I wonder if he’s going to kiss me. It’s wrong for the situation, but there’s an anticipation in the air that I can’t put my finger on.

He releases me.

“You’re tired, Emilia. Take some time to decompress. Jasper may have some news from his research when he returns. I’ll come and get you then.”

I blush and nod before shyly escaping to my room. It’s obvious once I’m out of Ari’s invigorating presence just how tired I am. I kick off my beautiful shoes and sprawl on the bed. The fabric of the top blanket is cool against my skin, and I moan in pleasure just as the snakes on my head mellow out.

As if waiting for me to drop my guard, sleep snatches me away and I don’t think about tempting men and bottomless grief.

23

ARI

The alcohol burns,but I enjoy it all the same. In a way, it reminds me of what it was like to touch Emilia’s skin before she recognized the sensation of her power and started to curtail it. Our Chosen is a quick learner. Beautiful, smart, and delightfully sarcastic when she chooses to speak.

After spending all day with the woman, there is not a doubt in my mind.

She belongs with us. She draws both of us to her. It had been all that I could do not to invade her space constantly during training. Every time I touched her it inspired an ache that I welcome.

Now to convince Jasper that this is possible.

The elevator in the entryway opens with a soft sound. I’d given both Jasper and Emilia the key cards required to access the penthouse last night. Jasper trudges into the kitchen and halts at the sight of me sitting in my favorite chair.

“You’re back,” I say, stating the obvious.

“I said I would be.”

He did, and according to the bag slung across his chest, he’s packed to stay here just as he told Emilia he would.

“I wondered if you were successful in convincing yourself to stay away,” I muse. I need to be direct, but it’s hard to break old habits. “I was so hopeful when I heard you cry out last night.”

Jasper blushes. “I’m sorry to disturb you.”

“I wouldn’t say you disturbed me. Teased and taunted me, yes. Disturbed? No.”

Jasper clears his throat, lost for words. He stands just as proud and defiant as always, but there’s a weariness where his cold regard usually settles.

“You look tired,” I say, gesturing to my empty glass. “Do you want a drink?”

Jasper looks at the offer as if I’m a venomous snake, trying to hypnotize his virtue away. My lips twitch and it makes me want to be the seducer he’s cast me as.

He shakes his head. “I got caught up looking in the digital archive for materials about Chosen after the donors left. I didn’t mean to lose track of time.”

So much devotion to helping his employee. She’s more than an employee, but Jasper probably hasn’t let himself think of her past that. I ache for Jasper’s devotion. It’s probably why I get so jealous of his library.

“Did you find anything?” I ask, not letting worry slip into my words.

He shakes his head. “Nothing that we don’t already know.”

I nod. The balance of knowledge here is a careful thing. I made promises to help Emilia search for ways of becoming “un-Chosen” as she had called it. I know more about the subject than would be wise to tell them now.

There are certain truths that will take time and our support for Emilia to accept. We’re early in our courtship still. There’s no need to face those revelations yet.

I stand and approach Jasper. His body stiffens and I keep my smile respectable instead of salacious.

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