Page 83 of The Prince from a Cruel Summer
“Aidan?” I gasp, cold tremors rocking my body.
By Thanatos.I feared Aidan might marry someone else, but I certainly didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
“Or Willow.”
I scoff at the possibility. “Willow would have told me if she was getting married.”
“And your boyfriend wouldn’t have?” Devi lets the question dangle like a hook, a grin spreading across her red-painted lips. “No, I guess he wouldn’t have. Well, I need to know today, so be a dear and ask him.”
“You want me to ask Aidan if he’s getting married?” I screech.
Devi shrugs in an overly nonchalant manner. “He’s fond of you, and he can’t lie, so it should only take a minute. Don’t let him play with words, though. He’s good at that. I’ll be anxiously awaiting your answer.”
I don’t want to acquiesce to her demand, but I have no choice, not if I ever want to return to the academy. And if Aidan is getting married this summer, I’d rather know now than read about it in the news.
I’ve never sneakedinto the boys’ wing before, but today, I climb the stairs two at a time to the top floor, my hooded cape concealing my hair. My knuckles tighten around the handle of my second-hand travel bag as I reach the penthouse door. I knock softly, bracing myself for the conversation to come, and my mouth goes dry when it’s not Aidan who answers, but Ezra.
He scans me from head to toe, his blonde hair slicked over his head, which is a stark change to his usual disheveled-ness. “Ooh, a traveling salesman. What are you selling, milady?” He meets my gaze, and his playfulness cranks down several notches as he opens the door for me to enter. “Aidan, you have a visitor.”
I stay rooted in place, feeling eerie and hot.
“Songbird, hi.”
I throw him an awkward wave, my heart bleeding at the obvious joy on his face. The fact that he’s fresh out of the shower and only wearing a white towel doesn’t help my concentration, but the possibility of hearing about his betrothal certainly tarnishes his appeal. A bit.
Ezra’s gaze flicks between us before he tucks his hands deep into his pockets. “Well, I suddenly feel like I have urgent business elsewhere. I’ll wait for you in the hall, boo. Lady Snow, I wish you a glorious break.” He kisses my knuckles and slips past me with a wink.
“You too.” Warmth floods my cheeks as Aidan walks to take Ezra’s place by the door, his bare chest filling my line of vision. He looks so pleased as he asks, “Did you change your mind about that swimming lesson?”
“Afraid not,” I say quickly, avoiding his stare. “But I had to see you before I left.”
If only he knew the real reason I came. I still don’t believe Devi’s claim that I’m a Sea mutt, but I’m acting as her spy all the same.
Aidan holds the door wider, stepping aside. “Please, come in.”
I press my lips together, and the soft thud of the door closing behind me sends a shiver through my body.
Once we’re alone, he grabs my waist with an ease and confidence that makes me want to untuck his towel.
“I have to admit… that cape is incredibly sexy. I fear you might have woven me a new fantasy. And you can’t imagine how many times I’ve pictured you in that uniform…” he trails off.
He steers me to the side, pinning me against the kitchen counter. The top edge of the marble slab presses into my back as he kisses me, and the purpose of my visit is forgotten.
“I have to leave soon,” I gasp.
He drags his lips down the slope of my neck. “How soon?”
I push him off gently, palms flat to his naked chest, and wince. “Too soon for any of that.”
With a chuckle, he runs his hands down my arms to lace our fingers. “I’ll be good, then.”
Now that we’re together, I’m almost sure Devi was mistaken. This man can’t be planning to marry someone else.
“I have a question. And I don’t want you to spare my feelings, alright? I need to know the whole truth.”
His brows furrow. “I’m all ears.”
“I heard there’s a summer wedding in the works… And that’s it’s going to be aroyalwedding.” My heartbeat pounds in my temples, dizzying me, but Aidan doesn’t look as guilty as I feared. He even smiles.
