Page 99 of Riftborne
Heat pricked my skin, but I couldn’t waste time getting lost in pointless daydreams.
I squeezed my hair the best I could using the towel, but there was no way it would be dry before I arrived at the lounge. I eyedthe products on the counter and reached for one of the bottles. It was some kind of styling cream.
I took a deep breath and brushed it through my hair, pushing the strands behind the points of my ears. My curls weren’t used to being weighed down by product, but the cream was working well enough.
My hair looked sleek, save for a few bumps that I couldn’t get rid of at the top.
I grabbed the charcoal pencil that–wait, did he really just go buy all of this?I rolled my eyes, thinking about all the times he’d probably done similar things for his lovers in the past. My stomach churned. But that wasn’t our situation. This was just a cover-up.
I shook the thoughts from my mind and lined my eyes. It still didn’t look perfect, but I had improved since the last time I’d made the attempt back in Raine’s room at the Compound.
I hurried over to the dress.
It wastight. Not even zipped up the back yet, it was already unbelievably fitted. I knew every contour of my body would be exposed.
The neckline was square, held up by two straps that ran over my shoulders. It stopped a good bit before my ankles, and it wasn’t until I took a step forward that I noticed the high slit running down my left leg. I rolled my eyes. He actually thought my friends would believe I bought this for myself.
I reached around to zip it but to no avail. I couldn’t reach the clasp. I clicked my teeth and grabbed the matching shoes before marching out the door. I didn’t give myself time to consider another approach.
Laryk sat on the bench across the gym, laying back with his ankles crossed. His eyes seemed to go molten when he saw me.
“Well, don’t you look ravishing.” His voice was low, almost raspy as he stood to admire his dress choice. I ignored the heat that shot through me with his words. I didn’t have time for it.
I forced an eye-roll. “Can you zip this for me?”
“Spin around,” he said with a giant smirk.
In an instant, his hands were on my back, searching for the zipper. He was standing so close that I could feel his breath on my neck.
“I like your hair like this,” he whispered, his lips nearly grazing my ear as I felt the dress tighten around me even further. His hand lingered on my shoulder before he stepped away, sending shivers up my spine.
“Well, I didn’t have much of a choice, seeing how it was dripping wet only moments ago.” I sighed, leaning down to slip on the… were these even shoes?
“Well, I have to get going–erm–thanks for all of this. I can pay you back for the dress,” I said, avoiding the eyes now scanning my entire body.
“Nonsense. It’s a gift. Black suits you,” His gaze remained on me a moment too long. A part of me wanted to reach out. To touch him.
“I have noticed your preference for the color,” I murmured, finally cutting my eyes.
“I’ll leave a few moments after you. Have fun tonight. And remember everything we talked about. I’ll make sure Mercer is aware of the plan.”
I nodded, pausing. “And thank you… for…”
“Not killing you?” he whispered with a wicked grin.
“Yes, that.” I rolled my eyes before stepping out into the street.
It was a miracle I didn’t fall the second my heel met the uneven cobblestone.
CHAPTER 35
The walk tookme longer than I expected since I hadn’t originally accounted for the ankle-breaking contraptions that Laryk considered shoes.
I felt his lingering gaze on me, and I tugged down on the dress nervously.
Osta had chosen a restaurant along the harbor.
The spot offered a glittering view of the city and its reflection in the water below. A sea-drenched breeze blew over the docks, sending a shiver over my exposed skin. I inhaled the scent of grilled fish.
