Page 42 of TBR: Dead But Well Read

He needed to believe she was a random hookup I would use and throw away. Just thinking the words caused my stomach to roil.

“I’m light as a feather, and Saul’s stiff as a board. How about you climb under this sheet with me and rattle my bones?” The sheet shook as she giggled and gave a last wavering, “WOOooOooo.”

If I wasn’t already in love with her, I would’ve lost my heart right there on the spot.

Zacharias pushed away from the doorway, his face scrunched in disgust. “You sure picked a weird one for your first. Maybe try a sober one next time.”

The door closed behind him and I listened as his steps faded down the corridor. As soon as I knew he was gone, I sat up and lifted the sheet. Her mussed hair stuck out at wild angles around her face, and her eyes sparkled as she dissolved into laughter.

I’d never seen a sight more beautiful in my life.

Impulsively pulling her into my arms, I covered her face and neck in kisses until her laughs turned to small breathy giggles.

“I’m sorry, pet.” My lips brushed against hers. “I didn’t want him to recognize you.”

“He was the reaper I bit?” she asked, wrapping her arms around my neck.

“Yes. His name is Zacharias.” Her skin pressed against mine, making it hard to think about anything other than the granitelength in my boxers and how incredible it would feel to be inside her.

“Sounded like you two are pretty chummy. You’re close friends?” She pulled away from me slightly.

Growling softly, I tightened my arms around her body. “I don’t know what we are. There are a lot of things I don’t know right now.”

Ignoring my protests, she pushed away from me and scooted to the end of the bed to find her shirt. She was going to leave me.

“Where do you think you’re going, pet?” I demanded, wincing at the sharp tone I hadn’t meant to use.

“My name is Axelle. And until you figure out who matters in your life, I’m not your pet and I’m not your toy.” She pulled the T-shirt over her head and turned to meet my gaze.

“I know your name. The collectors said it in the tunnels.” Rising from the bed, I moved to stand in front of her, holding her delicate hands in mine. “I just prefer to call you mine.”

Her eyes softened, her lips parted, and for a moment, I thought she might stay with me.

“The collectors are mine, and Zacharias tried to kill them. He is my enemy.” She pulled her hands from mine and took a step away from me. “If you are friends with him, then you’re my enemy as well.”

With that, she vanished, taking my heart with her.

Thanks to the time difference between wherever the hex Saul’s residence was and Amberwood, it had been evening when I’d re-materialized in the library’s archive room. Honestly, it had been a relief that I’d gotten myself back in one piece since I still didn’t understand how this new continent-jumping ability worked.

The library had been silent other than soft squeaking snores coming from where Wasabi lay curled up on the top shelf. I’d been too angry to do anything except pace—float—the room.

It didn’t matter what my heart or fate wanted. Any man who could act so enamored with me, and then turn around and crack jokes with the man who nearly killed me, couldn’t be trusted. Saul wouldn’t get another minute of my time, and Hades would be in the middle of an ice age before I gave him the chance to touch my body again.

I thought about going to see the collectors, but feared they would start asking questions about my disappearance and why I was so angry. Those were questions I wasn’t ready to talk about.

Shame washed through me and the lightbulb in the lamp closest to me buzzed. How could I have been so stupid? I’d known he was in the tunnels, yet I’d let him spin a tale about perspective. He was hot, and I’d wanted him, so I’d let my bean instead of my brain do the thinking.

I needed to tell the guys, but I wasn’t ready. It was too raw, and knowing that made me even more upset with myself. I was acting like a lovesick fool over a stranger I’d spent one evening with. One unforgettable, enchanted evening.

“UGHHHH!” Throwing myself down into an armchair, I stared out at the empty street.

It was Friday night, but since this part of the town lacked any bars or clubs, it was quiet on the weekends. With the library closed, I would have the freedom to stretch out anywhere I wanted and read without any disruptions.

I’d been right. Men brought complicated issues and emotions. It was time to go back to the safety of my book boyfriends. Getting up, I hurried to the shelves to gather an armful of new books and a handful of comfort reads.

Let’s get this party started!

“Not now, Wasabi,”I mumbled fourteen hours later. Ignoring his gentle tug on my sweatpants, I turned another page in my current book.

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