Page 33 of MidKnight
“A few years ago, Ryan taught me a different way to control my anxiety.”
“Yeah?”
Declan sat up on the bed so he could whisper into my ear, “Sex.” Then he smacked my ass and pushed me toward the dressing room.
“What!” I screeched. “You can’t say that and just—”
“Time to get ready,” Declan stood and straightened his shirt, marching over to my looking glass to finger comb his hair.
Cerena’s bluebird fluttered backward, away from Declan.
I bit my thumb at Declan. “You bastard. That’s all I’m going to think about all day, now.”
His grin was so naughty that it was sarding adorable and I hated him for it. “I know,” he said cockily. “I want you desperate. So that when you finally get me alone, in some dark corner, you can’t help yourself.”
“I hope you have a panic attack,” I gritted out through my teeth as he strode to the door.
He winked before he strolled out the door. “If I do, I’ll let you take care of it!”
Chapter Eight
Connor had stayed up all night reviewing past treaties with Rasle.
He met me in the private royal breakfast salon with a tired grin. His curls were a disaster. I loved them. I went right over and tousled them before lightly touching the bags under his sea-green eyes.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I’d have stayed up with you and planned for this.”
“You were attacked and needed some rest,” he waved me off and poured himself some coffee imported from Lored, the tropical country to the south.
I sighed. “Well, next time, let me know at least.”
He mock saluted me, and I narrowed my eyes at him. “I’m serious, Connor. Until I can find someone else to take this damn crown and—”
“Wait. Take your crown?”
I grabbed a roll and sank into a chair, yanking the bread to bits and taking a bite.
Connor came and stood beside me, “Explain. I thought you were over this whole running away phase.”
“First of all, I’m awful at this job.”
“You’ve been at it a day! Of course, you’re awful!”
“Thank you,” I threw a chunk of bread at him.
“I meantanyonewould be awful.”
“Secondly, I just meant I need a regent so I can help find Avia—”
“Quinn and Ryan are both working on finding her.”
“But I want to help.”
Connor closed his eyes and sighed. “The best way you can help is doing your job as queen. That is something none of us can do.”
I put aside the rest of my bread. Connor’s words had turned my stomach. Instead, I grabbed his coffee out of his hand and drank. I had to resist spitting. “Ugh. This is awful.”
“No. It’s the nectar of the gods, and of sleepless souls everywhere.”
