Page 65 of Seducing Hope (The Hope Legacy)

Jed gets in the last word. “Can I have a copy of your playlists, please?”

The phone goes dead in reply as Zac studies me carefully. Whatever he sees makes him frown. “The purpose of this date is to break her, correct?”

I nod. “Indeed.”

Jed folds his arms. “What about Duncan’s warning?”

“What warning?” Zac grinds out, his face turning to granite.

I run my hands through my hair. “He warned me when Natia falls for someone, she does it hard, and if I wasn’t prepared for that, then I should leave her alone.”

Zac smirks. “This is perfect.”

Jed’s smile slips. “You want her broken?”

“It will make it easier,” Zac says, shrugging.

Jed shakes his head. “You’re wrong,” he tips his head toward me, “he’s got to prove he’s worthy of her heart. She won’t just fall for the physical attraction. Natia’s the whole package—she needs her heart and mind wooed.”

My knuckles turn white. “And you think I’m incapable of that?”

He drops his arms and picks up his phone. “No, but Natia has high walls and an accurate reading for bullshit. The only chance you have with her is if you’re honest with what you are and what you are not offering. If you can’t give her your heart, then don’t promise it.”

“I won’t lie to her.”

“Good, just make sure you’re not lying to yourself.” He smirks. “I think this girl has the potential to surprise you.”

I think back on her defiance, strength, accurate assessment of situations, and the stark honesty when she has bared her soul. She’s the very definition of someone who wears her heart on her sleeve.

Jed’s wrong. She already has surprised me.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Natia

Tauruses hardly ever lose hope; they have faith that everything happens for a reason.

My head snaps up as the air currents shift suddenly, and Jed appears out of thin air in the kitchen. His blond-tipped hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and he’s wearing an all-black combat outfit with military style boots. Spinning around, he opens the fridge and grabs some milk and ingredients to make a sandwich. Wearing a cheeky grin, he quirks an eyebrow. “Want one?”

Recovering from his sudden arrival—that’s going to take some getting used to; can they all teleport?—I blink at the pile of food. “Why are you eating my food? Doesn’this majestyfeed you?”

He pulls a face. “Yeah, healthy shit… You have better food.” He pours a glass of milk, sniffs it, then frowns at the carton. “Almond milk?”

“Yeah, she drinks nut juice!” Zee shouts from his lounging pose on the sofa. Jed chuckles.

Shaking my head, I slide my twin swords into the sheaths on my back. Jed pauses his epic sandwich making and gazes at me, while I eye the sandwich layers with interest and glance at my watch. I don’t have the time a sandwich like that deserves—maybe I could get him to make me one later?

“What?” I snap, when he continues to stare at me.

“You look sexy as hell in your full leathers and weapons. He’s got to see this.”

Realizing his intent, I dive to grab him, touching his arm milliseconds before he teleports. He flashes me a mischievous grin and takes me with him. Shocked, I don’t register the experience before we’re standing in Archan’s office. Archan sits at his desk with Zac looking over his shoulder at a computer screen.

Archan’s mouth tilts up in a wicked grin as he peruses me. I smack Jed over the head, and he flinches, rubbing it reflexively.

I point between me and Jed. “You and me, we’re done.”

He pouts, making me chuckle.

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