Page 48 of A Song of Shadow and Starlight

"What was that for?"

"You can't just go around kissing people!"

"Is that what you're upset about?" He reaches for me, but I sidestep him and take off down the street. "Strenlys, wait -"

"And stop calling me that! I don't know what it means, and I swear if you say it meansmaidenone more time, I'll knock those perfect teeth out of your mouth."

Oh, that mouth. How I wish I could press my lips against his again and have him want to kiss me back.

He smiles and I'm mortified that he's caught me staring at his lips.

"I'm sorry," he dips his head to meet my gaze. "I improvised to keep you safe. I wanted us to blend in. I didn't mean to upset you."

"Why not just cloak us in your shadows?"

"That would be great if my magic worked like that."

"You can't slip into the shadows to hide?"

He shakes his head. "No, my shadows are weapons. They're an extension of my body. They don't hide me or anyone else, that's where my stealth comes into play." He leans close and whispers, "Even if my shadows could cloak us, I would have probably kissed you anyway."

"Why?"

"For fun." He smirks and I instinctively raise my hand to smack him, but he catches my wrist and tsks. "Let's not resort to petty violence, shall we?"

"Take me back to the hotel," I demand.

"You're a good kisser." I suspect he's being sarcastic but all I see in his eyes is sincerity. Either way, I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing the effect he has on me.

"It seems you could use more practice." I wipe my lips with my sleeve and fix my rumpled clothing and hair.

He smiles and my stomach flutters. "Maybe we should practice then."

I push him away from me and scoff. "I'm sure there is someone in this district that will gladly take your money to teach you."

With a low chuckle, he eats the distance between us and taps the tip of my nose. "Nyx's idea?"

I realize he's referring to the nose piercing and I shake my head, grinning like a fluffed-up cat. "My idea." That seems to excite and surprise him. "Why are you looking at me like that?" My brow furrows.

"I like it."

"Do I detect a compliment?"

"I am capable of giving them, you know. I'm not a total monster."

I roll my eyes. "We should go back to the hotel and make sure the others are alright."

He looks as if he wants to argue with me, but for whatever reason, he doesn't. He bobs his head, motioning me to follow him, and like a good captive, I do.

Fifteen

Thegruelinguphilltrekto Hotel Zulmara is a quiet one. By the time we arrive, I'm drenched in sweat, my hair is sticking to the back of my neck, and my fingers and feet are swollen. I'm sure I'm a blessed sight to behold, especially walking next to Atlas, who is glowing like a damn celestial, unaffected by the heat and humidity.

As we approach the center fountain, a light breeze whips some beads of water our way. The cool mist gives me a blast of welcoming chill and I can’t wait to get to my room to take a cold shower and scrub the dirt and grim off my skin.

The doormen open the doors for us. It's cooler in the lobby. The wooden fans I failed to notice yesterday are mounted in the ceilings, scattered strategically around the space. They're working overtime to supply a decent breeze, and for someone like me, who isn't used to the merciless humidity, it's a blessing.

Nyx, Eris, and Finn aren't in the lobby or restaurant, so we head upstairs to our rooms. We still haven't spoken a word to one another since we left the Brothel District, so it's far too late to casually stir up a conversation. I chuck the remainder of this evening up as a loss and I'm determined to forgo dinner and slip into my bed and forget today happened. But the second I think about Atlas kissing me, my treacherous heart beats a little faster.

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