Page 97 of Enchanted Kisses
“Don’t be frightened.” He moved to the middle of the bathroom. “I’m here now.”
I wanted to believe him.
He touched my cheek.
I closed my eyes and relaxed with a sigh until I noticed the feel of tiny kisses weren’t there, nor was the pulling sensation that accompanied his presence.
My eyes snapped open. I stepped away, understanding that regardless of Caiden’s true feelings for me—whatever those were—Imissed him. Ilovedhim and wanted more than anything for this tobehim.
“I thought you might like this.” Caiden’s image flickered to reveal Dagan. “I want you to be comfortable.”
Uncertain this was even Dagan, I stepped farther away and nearly bumped into the toilet. “What did you find out?” If it were him, he’d know what I was talking about.
“Kiss me again and I’ll tell you.”
I huffed. “It’s not going to happen.” I stepped around him and left the bathroom.
He followed.
I stopped by the bed on the side farthest from Dagan. “I don’t get your interest in me. I thought you wanted me here to carry out your plan, which, for your information, won’t work because I’m broken.”
I hadn’t shimmered or felt heated energy since my arrival. Sure, I had knocked Dagan away, but it wasn’t the same—like when I had healed Caiden or the orchid or was angry with Bianca. I didn’t know what it had been. Leftover energy? A fluke? Maybe it was this place, or simply my inability to maintain my powers. I only knew I was defective. Considering my situation, that was a good thing.
“Originally that was my interest, but your goddess origins gave me other ideas.” He strolled around the bed, stopping a few feet from me. “I thought,What a trophy to behold.With you on my arm, I’d be acclaimed.”
“You can parade me around without kissing me.”
“Yes, but then I’d still have these foreign feelings eating away at me. I find your resistance to my advances frustratingly riveting. A female has never denied me. It’s quite the turn-on.” His skin flashed with silver light. “Even more so after that first kiss, sensing what you want but deny yourself.”
I wanted to say, “You’re confused,”but my gut warned me to go easy. What was the big deal, really? I didn’t like Dagan, and this would prove it. “If I kiss you, will you tell me what you learned?”
His posture relaxed. “How do you know I’ve learned anything?”
“Oh. Then come back when you have.” I folded my arms.
He crooked a finger for me to come. “Luckily for me, I have.”
I pulled the belt strap to my robe tighter and walked to him. A quick peck should be enough. For balance, I placed my fingers on his chest and pushed up on my toes. The intoxicating aroma of cloves instantly dizzied me.
When I swayed, Dagan placed steadying hands at my waist. He didn’t lower his head, forcing me to push up higher on my toes. I still wasn’t tall enough.
“Do you want a kiss or not?” Light-headed—From the cloves?—my words held no punch.
“Ask me or make me.” That wicked grin appeared. “Then I’ll tell you everything I know.”
A staticky breeze bristled through the room and something stirred inside me. I wanted to look around and see what had caused it, but I couldn’t. Locked in Dagan’s scent and hypnotic gaze, I felt the desire to obey. But who was causing it? Him or me?
I placed one hand behind his neck and pulled his lips to mine. When I tried to break the kiss, he crushed me to him. For a moment, his lips felt warm.
Too weak to resist, and maybe needing the warmth, I let him embrace me and lost myself in a field of cloves. Anything, even this, felt better than despair. The ache in my heart receded. Almost numb, my mind and body were ripped from the moment.
I opened heavy lids to Caiden’s face. “Don’t,” I breathed. “I don’t want to see him. It hurts too much.”
Wild turquoise eyes narrowed with sadness, then Caiden’s Adam’s apple moved with a deep swallow and the sensation of tiny kisses drifted up my arms.
“Caiden?” His name caught in my throat.
“Take her.” He slung me around to Briella. She grabbed my arm and dragged me toward the bathroom. I spun back, trying to resist her pull, but she was too strong.
