Page 87 of Enchanted Kisses
She leaned to my hair and sniffed. “So you’re the reason for Caiden’s new infatuation with coconut.” Her soft, slow voice was a sharp contrast to her outer appearance. And damn if she wasn’t even prettier up close. Her skin was poreless.
Hate her.
I stepped away. “If you don’t mind, I need to change.” My muscles tensed in her presence. Although I knew part of it was my insecurities, I felt another part had to do with my new powers. My nerves were on high alert, as if my body sensed a threat. My vision seemed clearer, as did my hearing, and my skin prickled. I prayed I wouldn’t start glowing.
She sighed and touched the talisman around her neck—Caiden’s talisman. She rubbed her finger over the smooth stone. It seemed absentminded, or maybe that was what she wanted me to think.
“I’m sure you’re aware that Caiden is at odds with himself. This place is quite different from what we know.” She waved a hand around. “Caiden and I aren’t used to rules, responsibilities, guilt, or distractions—apart from each other. Being away from our realm brings those losses to the surface in perplexing ways. As does being around people and places we’re not comfortable with.” Her chin lowered and for a second, she might have looked fragile.
I didn’t know whether she was sincere or one hell of an actress. Caiden said she wasn’t bad. But what did that mean? What was his version of bad?
“Why do you stay if it’s so uncomfortable?” I wanted to move and put distance between us, but I didn’t want her to think I was afraid.
She strolled to the bed and rested her head against one of the canopy posters. “I’m here for Caiden. I’m here to help him.”
Huh? “I thought you were here because you defected.”
“I defectedforCaiden. I didn’t know… He didn’t tell me about you until I arrived here. I didn’t know the intended vow had been broken. It only severs if the person wishes it to. Now I have no realm, no home, and the future I dreamed of with Caiden is yours.” Her eyes slid to me as she sat on the bed. “I can’t go back to my realm. I’d be tortured for treason and most likely be stripped of my soul.”
Could she be as helpless as she looked? A victim? One of the many girls Caiden had played and left behind?
I inched to the bed and lifted a hand to soothe her but lowered it at the last second. What was I doing? What if I healed her, or did something that gave my powers away? I shouldn’t feel sorry for her. She couldn’t be trusted.
“Maybe you could go back and ask for pardon? Or something like that.”
“The King of Death isn’t the forgiving kind. When life revolves around death, it’s easy to lose touch with reality. Eventually, you grow numb. Belonging to the Realm of Death stifles your compassion. It’s why we take pleasure where and when we can.” Her head tilted innocently. “I believe that’s what drew Caiden to you. You’re different. New.Exciting.”
I’d heard those words before. Dagan had told me the same thing. Was she playing me or just being honest? Hearing this again brought forth doubtful thoughts about Caiden.No! I couldn’t let her get under my skin.
“I hope he knows what he’s doing,” Bianca went on. “He’d left our realm before, for a change of scenery. But he’d always returned—to me. I knew he wasn’t faithful when he was away, indulging in his latest fancy. Even so, I always took him back.”
She gave me a long, hard look. “Must be some power you have over him, to get him to renounce his realm.” She stood, the movement fluid and graceful. “I believe I’ve wasted enough of your time.” At the door, she stopped to look over her shoulder. “You’re sweet and probably good for him. But I play for keeps, and I intend to win Caiden back, at any cost.”
Thank God she’d disappeared into the hallway before my temper flared. Not because I thought I could take her. I didn’t want her to see me shimmer.
My phone rang, playing my dad’s ringtone so faintly, I barely heard it. I raced to the nightstand where I’d set it last but couldn’t answer the call. What would I say? I let it go to voice mail and sent him a text, saying Raysa and I were out causing trouble—he’d never believe it—and that I’d call him later.
While I waited for Caiden, I changed into jeans and a fuchsia tee, made sure I had everything packed, and then tidied up the room. With nothing left to do, I paced the floor and thought of Bianca’s words. What if she was right? What if, over time, Caiden got bored with me? What if he left me? What if he was more conflicted than Raysa and I thought, and he didn’t know what he was saying?
I caught my reflection in the mirror across the room. Though faint, my lilac eyes glowed and my body shimmered.Not good.I couldn’t go anywhere like this. It must be my nerves. Maybe Caiden could put a glamour on me to make me look normal.
Unable to wait another second, I went to the door and yanked it open.
Raysa barreled into the room, nearly taking me out. She’d changed into jeans and a yellow silk top. A huge Louis Vuitton bag hung from her arm. She glanced at my suitcase. “Good, you’re ready.”
“Where have you been?” I asked. “Where’s Caiden?”
“Change of plans. No time to explain. I’ll tell you everything later. Get your stuff. You’ll never guess where we’re going.” She grinned.
A minute later, we were in a hotel room. Vintage in style, but with a Southern charm, the room had two queen beds and reminded me of someplace. The scent of strawberries lingered in the air, which felt more humid than Brunswick in the summer.
Chatter and chaos sounded from the other side of the French doors, which I assumed led to a balcony. I couldn’t see through them as white sheers obscured the view.
“What’s going on out there?” I pointed and strode toward the doors.
“Have a look.” Raysa slung her bag onto one of the beds.
I twisted the antique knobs and pulled open the thin doors. A balcony lined with black wrought iron overlooked a crowded street, the night aglow with lights.
