Page 64 of A Song of Shadow and Starlight

I twirl my fingers through the ghostly wisps. They swim across my neckline and slip down the front of my dress, settling above my heart. He shudders when my breathing is ragged. Hovering above me, he stares at my lips, and I swear he's restraining himself from kissing me.

"Do you think about it?"

His question confuses me. "Think about what?"

"Me kissing you?"

"You've already kissed me."

"Answer my question, Princess. And remember, I can tell when you're lying. My shadows can feel your heartbeat." His shadows twist around my wrists, right above my pulse points.

I undo one of the buttons on his dress shirt and slip my hand inside, pressing my palm against his scarred chest. "And now I can feel yours."

Atlas waits a moment before asking again, "Do you think about that kiss?"

My traitorous heart speeds up and I know he knows my answer. I can refuse to admit it, but my eyes and body can’t deny my attraction for him. I am drawn to him, and I want to admit that I feel a connection to him, but then I think of Bastian and my commitment to marry him. Surprisingly, I don't crave Bastian's attention or affection. I crave Atlas.

"Do you think about that kiss?" He issues the same question a third time.

I swallow the lump in my throat. My soul is on fire, and I feel like I'm about to pass out or have a heart attack. I open my mouth to tell him that I obsess over that kiss daily, but I'm denied my moment of courage when someone clears his throat, drawing our attention.

Nyx, Finn, and Eris are standing at the end of the deck, and the youngest Harland is grinning ear to ear. "Well, aren't you two rather cozy?"

Atlas' shadows dissipate and he straightens, releasing me from his hold. "Did you take care of the Frost Elf?"

Nyx bobs his head. "Swimming as we speak."

"What happened to your lip?" Eris rushes toward me, tucking her index finger under my chin to examine my bruising face.

I eye Atlas, wondering how much I should tell them, but it is the wrong thing to do.

"Did you hit her?" Finn fumes and I'm stunned by his reaction. He's normally so docile and level-headed – to see him angry is surprising and it scares me. Atlas grimaces, clutching his side, and I realize Finn is using his magic.

"No!" I step between the brothers, pressing my palm against Finn's chest. "Atlas didn't hit me. He dealt with the Bavan who did!"

Finn's rage is soothed, and his orange eyes fade back to hazel. Eris slips her hand over his forearm.

"I'm- I'm sorry," he stutters and shoots Atlas a look of apology and embarrassment. "I shouldn't have - I don't know what came over me -"

Atlas waves him off, still favoring his left side. "It's alright, Finn." He glances at Nyx. "Did you get everything in order for tomorrow morning?"

Nyx doesn't look fazed by the interaction between Atlas and Finn. He grabs the cigarette behind his left ear and lights it. "Need you even ask?"

"Humor me."

"We're good to go." Nyx exhales a puff of smoke and watches it drift away. "Now, if you all will excuse me, there's a stunning Frost Elf I'd like to get better acquainted with."

As Nyx wanders off, Eris and Finn glance at each other before looking at me and Atlas.

"We were planning to grab a few drinks. You two care to join us?" Eris asks, but I shake my head.

"I think I want to go back to the room and rest," I say.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Eris offers. "We can make it a girls' night."

A flash of disappointment in Finn's eyes causes me to wave off her offer. "No, you and Finn go have fun. I'll probably just fall asleep early."

"You sure?"

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