Page 134 of Heir of Illusion

“Really?” I ask, ignoring his quip. “You think I’mgood?”

“I know you are.”

My head tilts to the side. “How?”

“Because I’m not,” he says as he helps himself to the chair in the corner near my bed. His tone is matter-of-fact, but there’s a hint of sadness there that tells me he genuinely believes what he’s saying. “The lines I’m willing to cross would shock you.”

“Name one thing that would shock me,” I demand, positive he won’t be able to.

The sadness on his face fades, replaced with something wicked and predatory as he leans forward. “Sneaking into an innocent angels room, hoping to get a peek at her in a nightgown.”

I offer him a bland look as I pretend to be unaffected by his words. “How’s that working out for you?”

His eyes fill with mirth as his lips pull into a wide smile. He leans back in the chair, making himself comfortable as he props his hands behind his head. “Yet to be seen.”

Biting my lip to stop my own smile, I turn around and make for my vanity to begin cleaning myself up. I cringe at the mud staining my cloak as I slip it off and toss it onto the nearby settee.

A swift intake of breath comes from behind me, and a moment later, Thorne is standing before me. His eyes cloud with shadows as he stares at the giant bloodstain marking my dress.

“You’re hurt.” Every ounce of humor has vanished from his tone as his body goes rigid.

I shake my head, moving to step around him. “It’s nothing.”

He blocks my path, his fingers bunching into fists within his gloves. “Was it Kaldar?”

I nod, dropping my gaze to my feet.

“Let me see it,” he demands, his voice deeper unnaturally deep.

“No,” I whisper. “I’d have to remove my dress to show it to you.”

“I’ve seen your body before, Ivy. The image is seared into my brain.”

My cheeks darken as my pulse skitters once more. “This is different.”

Unperturbed by my refusal, he grabs hold of the soiled material and rips the silk with his bare hands. Given the circumstances, it shouldn’t be attractive, but I can’t deny the fact that my breath is coming faster after witnessing that.

My hands fly to my chest, ensuring the rest of my gown doesn’t receive the same treatment. The fabric that once covered my stomach now hangs in tatters, exposing my entire abdomen to the night air. Shivers dance over my skin, and I tell myself it’s merely from the chill.

If he notices my reaction, he doesn’t show it. His gaze is locked on the ugly wound. “How long ago did this happen?”

“This morning,” I tell him honestly.

His eyes darken even more as they connect with mine again. “Then why is it still bleeding?”

“Kaldar poisoned the blade,” I explain. “Whatever he laced it with slowed my healing.”

“Fucking bastard,” he swears through gritted teeth. “It goes all the way through?”

I nod. “He snuck up on me while I was taking flowers to the veil for Leona.”

His eyes widen with understanding, and perhaps a bit of sympathy. “Today is the one-year anniversary? I’m sorry, Ivy.”

My mouth opens to tell him I don’t deserve any apologies, but I snap it shut when I realize that’s exactly the kind of behavior he recently accused me of.Maybe he was right, I think as Thorne disappears into the bathing chamber.Maybe I do have a tendency to punish myself?

He returns a minute later, carrying a small basin of water and a clean rag. He places them on the vanity before taking a seat on the stool. His hands land on my hips as he positions me in front of him to get a better view of the injury on my stomach.

“This needs to be cleaned,” he explains.

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