Page 22 of Once You Go Pack
Who could that be at this hour?
Her heart hammered as she padded barefoot across the stone floor. She opened the door slowly, expecting perhaps a castle staff member with extra blankets or towels.
Instead, Cade stood in the hallway, holding a delicate porcelain cup that steamed gently in the cool air.
“I thought you might want some tea before bed,” he said, his voice carefully controlled. “It’s a local blend that helps with?—“
His words died abruptly as his gaze took in her appearance. The cup trembled slightly in his hands, and she could swear she heard a low growl rumble from his chest. His green eyes had gone dark as they traced the silk clinging to her body. The mask of royal composure cracked, revealing something hungry underneath that made her stomach flutter.
“Thank you,” she said quickly, reaching for the cup before he could drop it. “That’s incredibly thoughtful.”
Her fingers brushed his as she took the tea, and the contact sent electricity shooting up her arm. He sucked in a sharp breath, his entire body going rigid.
She started to close the door, desperate to put some barrier between them before she did something truly foolish, but his foot slipped into the doorway, stopping her.
“Mila.” Her name sounded like a prayer on his lips. “You’re really beautiful. And you’re making it incredibly hard for me to control myself right now.”
The raw honesty in his voice sent heat through her veins. She could see the war playing out in his expression—desire battling with restraint, need clashing with duty.
“I can tell,” she whispered, her cheeks burning. “I’m sorry if I’m making things more difficult for you.”
“No.” His voice was strained. “You’re not making things difficult. You’re making me want to come back inside your roomand forget every rule of propriety I’ve ever learned. But I know that would be too forward.”
Her breath hitched at the naked want in his confession. The silk suddenly felt like nothing at all against her overheated skin.
“That might be a bit rushed,” she managed, though her body was screaming the opposite. “But I do find you very attractive.”
Something like relief and torture flickered across his features. “I should really leave before we do something foolish. Before you’ve had a chance to truly acclimate to this world.”
She nodded. “Goodnight, Cade. Thank you for being such a wonderful host.”
He stepped back reluctantly, his eyes lingering on her face like he was memorizing every detail. “Sweet dreams, Mila.”
The door closed with a click, and she immediately slumped against it, the teacup shaking in her hands. She set it down on the nearby table before she could drop it, her entire body trembling with the aftershocks of their encounter.
How am I going to manage myself around him?
The sexual chemistry between them was explosive and dangerous. Every look and every accidental touch set her on fire. And from the way his control had nearly shattered just from seeing her in silk pajamas, he was fighting the same battle.
We’re going to end up consuming each other if we’re not careful.
The thought should have worried her more than it did. But as she finally climbed into the massive bed, her last coherent thought was a resolution to make things easier for him by maintaining some emotional distance.
He needs to focus on his family and his royal duties. Not on me.
She would put up walls around her heart, and keep things controlled and proper. It was the right thing to do. Even if it might destroy her.
EIGHT
CADE
The small dining room caught the morning sunlight perfectly, golden rays streaming through tall windows to warm the space in a way the formal dining hall never could. Cade had specifically chosen this room for breakfast today—his father needed the sunlight now, desperately needed whatever warmth he could absorb into his increasingly frail frame.
Just as Cade was making sure his father was comfortable, the oak door swung open, and Lyra appeared with Mila at her side. Cade’s world instantly altered the moment Mila entered the room.
He shot to his feet so quickly his chair scraped against the stone floor, his wolf stirring immediately at the sight of her. She wore one of the cashmere sweaters he’d selected—a deep blue that made her blue eyes luminous—paired with black leggings that hugged every perfect curve. The outfit was simple but absolutely devastating on her.
Focus. Father is watching.
