Page 79 of A Song of Shadow and Starlight

His hand slips up my arm and settles along my neck and jaw. "Just you," he whispers as his thumb skims over my bottom lip. "And only you."

"Atlas," I breathe, and he leans closer, sending goosebumps rippling across my skin. I rest my palms against his chest and slowly drag them up his neck and face to run my fingers through his hair.

Heavy footsteps stomp up the stairs and hit the landing. Whoever it is, is headed toward us fast. Panicked by the thought that Eris, Finn, or Nyx is going to catch us in such a compromising position, I step away from Atlas, just before a grinning Nyx rips the curtains open and bounds into the studio. "I thought I'd find you two up here," he says, ignorant of his untimely interruption. "Finn wanted me to tell you dinner will be ready soon, and he expects you both to be cleaned up and ready to eat."

"We'll be down momentarily," Atlas says softly, but there's an authority in his tone that causes Nyx to bob his head and head back downstairs.

"I guess we should get down there," I break the silence, shifting my weight foot to foot.

He flashes a tight-lipped smile. "I suppose so." He motions me toward the staircase. "After you."

Before I lose myself in those tempting green eyes, I walk past him, and quickly descend the steps, not bothering to wait for him to follow after me.

Twenty-Three

Ihustletothethird floor where my bedroom is, slip inside the bathroom, and slide the pocket door closed behind me. I know I'm supposed to go to the dining room for supper, but I need a minute to collect myself. I didn't even turn to see if Atlas followed me down. I take a deep breath, needing to slow my racing heart.

I saw it in his eyes. He was going to kiss me. And I was going to let him. Had Nyx not interrupted, I'd be tangled up with Atlas and the thought has me feeling like I'm floating and sinking simultaneously. How can falling for one's enemy feel so right? It shouldn't.

I shake my head, rattling the tempting thoughts of what we could do with all the paint in his studio out of my head, and splash some water from the faucet on my face. I take one of the black towels and pat my face dry. It's my first chance to get a look at this bathroom and it's stunning. It's small, but elegant in its design. Geometric black and white tiles run across the floor and up the wall of the shower. There's a dark wood cabinet with a white stone sink and an oval, gold framed mirror hanging above, and it gives me a good idea of how flushed I am.

A light rap on the door makes me jump. I'm hoping it's not Atlas. I don't want him to see me unraveling at just the thought of him touching me.

"Shaye?" Eris' sweet voice sounds on the other side and stills my erratic heartbeat. "Are you alright?"

I clear my throat, "I'm fine, Eris."

"Dinner is ready."

I brush hair off my face and run my hands down the front of my shirt to iron out the wrinkles, before I slowly open the pocket door. Standing face to face with the Hydran, I flash a smile, and say, "Good. I'm starving."

Eris doesn't move from the threshold, holding my stare. "Are you sure you're alright?"

I chuckle nervously, deflecting any sort of vulnerability. "Of course, I'm alright. Come on, let's go before the boys eat it all."

She remains skeptical but finally nods her head and descends the steps with me. When we turn the corner and the dining room is within sight, my mouth drops, and a gasp escapes my lips. What looked like an ordinary dining room when I first saw it has now transformed into a vision straight out of a fairytale. The Dahlia centerpiece is gone, but in its place is an impressive spread of savory foods and delicious desserts. It's a proper set up with porcelain plates and bowls, gold utensils, long-stemmed wine glasses, and linen napkins. The chandelier is dimly lit and there are candles scattered throughout. The crackling fireplace in the adjoining room sets the cozy mood and I can't wait to sit down to sample all of the food Finn has prepared.

The Harland brothers stand when Eris and I arrive. Nyx is at one end of the dining table, with his back to the kitchen, Finn is to his left, and Eris takes her place next to him. Finn pushes her seat in when she sits as I make my way to sit on the opposite side of the table. Atlas is standing at the head of the table but moves to pull the chair beside him out for me to take. Had he not done that, I probably would have sat next to Nyx, but I accept the offered seat. I step in front of the chair and as I sit, Atlas pushes me closer to the table, before taking up his own seat.

With all five of us now at the table and ready to eat, Finn motions toward the different dishes. "Help yourself to whatever you like, Shaye."

"You did all of this?" I can't hide my amazement as everyone begins to fill their plates and bowls. There are two large, pan-fried fish stuffed with lemon and covered in herbs, roasted potatoes, freshly baked bread, seasoned vegetables, that I assume came straight from Finn's garden, and tempting me at the center of the table is a chocolate cake with a glistening glaze topped with raspberries.

Finn meets my gaze and smiles. "I confess, I didn't have time to make my own bread or dessert. Those came from the cafe across the street."

Eris rubs his forearm that's resting on the table. "Don't sell yourself short. This spread is incredible."

"Thank you," he smiles at her. There is a longing in his eyes that I notice, even if the others choose to ignore it.

"May I?" Atlas extends his hand for my wine glass, and I gladly let him fill my goblet with fruity red wine.

"Thank you," I take a sip, and he nods his head in acknowledgment before filling his own cup.

Food in Tronovia is different from food in Midori. In my kingdom, we eat a lot of red meat, dates, porridge, cheese, and grains. But from my conversations with the brothers, I know seafood is a staple here, and I'm thrilled to be trying Finn's cooking. Especially knowing he's a good cook. I fill my plate, ready to sample a bit of everything, and pop a piece of the fish in my mouth. My eyes close unintentionally as the flaky morsel melts in my mouth like butter.

"Oh, my goodness. This is delicious," I moan, and Finn grins with reddened cheeks.

"Thank you," he rubs the back of his neck, not maintaining my gaze.

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