Page 233 of The Gods Veiling
Stepping around him, my smile spreads as my eyes land on Thayla. She’s sitting propped in the middle of her bed with a blanket cuddled around her and a book lying in her lap.
“Good morning to you too, Candyman.”
“Thayla—”
“Why don’t you two just come sit down with me before you start ordering me around, huh?”
I grip Amick’s shoulder and snort as I lead him over to her bedside.
Something’s changed.
I’m not sure what happened while we slept, but the way she’s absolutely glowing right now is evidence enough that something did.
I can’t help but drink every inch of her in.
Her toes wiggle underneath her blanket and my lips tip up as I follow the outline of her legs to her stunning scarlet face.
“You went to the sacred hot spring,” Amick states, stealing her attention from me.
“You’re the smartest person I’ve ever met in my life.”
“Yes, I know. Did Creed or the Veilatara explain to you why we didn’t take you there to begin with?”
Fuck, I didn’t even think about that. I hope they did.
“Yeah, Creed did after the fact. He said that it isn’t like the meadows where we can visit anytime. We have to receive a direct invitation from Verlet, but Seismet told me last night I can come whenever I want or need.”
“Well, aren’t you just a spoiled little goddess? It took years for Verlet to extend that offer to us.”
She shrugs. “What can I say, I’m special.”
I lie back on her bed, laughing, then prop myself up on my hand.
Damn, her bed is comfy. I could enjoy my sleep in here…
“Yes, you’re a very special Binder,” Amick says exasperatedly as he holds his palm out to her. She smirks down at it, then up to him.
“You want to hold my hand again?”
If only she really knew.
“I do and I will momentarily, but for now, I’d like you to let me sit you up so I can see your back.”
The smiles slowly fade from both of our faces. My throat constricts painfully as her eyes mist the slightest bit. She shakes herself out of it quickly, though, and lays her hand in his.
“It’s a lot better,” she murmurs.
“I’ll be the judge of that.”
I push myself up completely and clear my throat. “May I as well?”
She nods rapidly without ever looking at me and I squeeze her other hand that’s tangled in the blanket as I move to her other side. Amick grabs the hem of her shirt and starts to lift, but she holds it down.
“I don’t have a bra on, so no peeking at anything else.”
“I saw you completely naked last night. Today will be no different other than you’re conscious.”
A shiver races through her, and I stare at him. “For the Valories, Amick.”
