Page 42 of Stolen
I find myself amused.
So I don’t interrupt. I wait. Let her finish.
And Jules?
She does not disappoint.
Her eyes sparkle, lips curling as she adds, “Or—Heaven forbid—is big bad Lord Alaric finally ready to answer some real questions?”
Shade makes a strangled sound like she’s trying to disappear into the book cart beside her.
And me?
I smile.
Slowly.
Oh yes.
Time to turn it on.
I stalk forward, not too fast, not threatening—just enough for the air to thicken between us, enough for her breath to hitch even as she holds her ground.
“No more riddles,” I murmur, letting the timbre of my voice darken just slightly. “I’ve kept you waiting long enough.”
Jules’s lashes flutter. Just once.
Good.
“You want answers?” I ask, stopping just short of touching her. My power hums in the space between us like heat lightning. “Then you may ask your questions over dinner. But I warn you,Myrrin, truth in Nightfall always comes with a price.”
Her throat works as she swallows, but her gaze doesn’t drop. Not yet.
And gods help me, I hope it never does.
I step closer, gaze raking down her silk-clad form, letting my power warm the space between us.
“Of course, I was thinking, if you’re brave enough, that perhaps we might move beyond questions.”
She blinks. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I let my gaze linger. Let the tension build. “It means I’ve been patient. But there areother waysto show you why you’re here,Myrrin.”
Her breath catches.
Good.
Because I’m done pretending I don’t want her.
And if charm won’t do the job, seduction will.
However, no one said I have to rush.
The hunt is more satisfying when the prey doesn’t know it’s already caught.
I let my fingers trail down her bare arm. Light enough to make her shiver, deliberate enough to make her wonder.
Jules stills, her breath catching ever so slightly.
