Page 63 of Dangerous King
Her hand is so small in mine, so fragile. I could break any of her fingers without trying. Not that I ever would. But I have to remind myself of how delicate she is. And warm and trusting.
I shouldn't be holding it. Not like this. Not after what I just did.
But I don't let go. Because that kiss?
We walk in silence through the forest path behind the estate, the gravel crunches softly beneath our feet, and Shadow trots ahead of us with his tongue lolling, occasionally circling back to check that we're still following. The sun filters through the tall trees, casting golden beams across her skin, catching in her hair.
She looks like she stepped out of a dream. And I'm walking beside her like I belong there. I can still feel the shape of her mouth against mine. The tremble in her fingers whenshe touched me. The way she leaned in, so innocent, unsure, trembling, butwilling. And now, the quiet weight of her hand curled around mine feels more dangerous than any weapon I've ever carried.
I risk a glance at her. She's not smiling, not speaking, but her shoulders are looser. Her eyes are warm and soft.
She trusts me.
Goddamn.
I don't deserve it.
But I want it.
I wanther.
Not just in my bed. I want to be the one she runs to when the nightmares come. The one who keeps her safe when the world claws at her. The one whoneverlets her be used again.
But can I bring her into this world?
Intomyworld?
It's blood and silence. It's threats and deals behind closed doors. It's lies wrapped in silk and promises carved into flesh. She's seen the worst of it already. She survived Giovanni. She saved my sister. But surviving isn't the same asbelonging.
She deserves peace.
She deserves something clean.
And I'm not clean. I've never been.
My grip tightens slightly. She doesn't flinch. Doesn't pull away.
She leans in closer, bumping her shoulder gently into my arm like she's trying to stay near my gravity. Like shechoosesit.
I glance at her again.
Could I keep her out of it?
No.
If she stays near me, the wolves will smell her.
Which means she'll need protection.
And who better to give it than me?
Who better to bury whatever tries to touch her?
If anyone dares?—
My jaw flexes. Shadow suddenly stops ahead of us, barking at a squirrel, then bounds into the brush after it. She laughs. A sound that hits me in the chest like a blow.
That sound.
