Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
He kisses me once. Twice. Both are ever so sweet.
I want him to take me all over again.
He watches my face, searches it like he always does. It’s like I’m a book he’s constantly reading—like he’s hoping to figure out the plot twist before reaching the last page. But there are no twists. He just saw all of me. There is nothing to hide.
If only it were the same for him.
The skin between his eyebrows wrinkles, and he opens his mouth like he’s going to say something but closes it just as quickly. Before I can blink, he’s off the bed and heading to the room where the bath is. When he returns, he has a thin towel in his hand. I sit up, and he uses it to wipe me clean.
Once he’s done, I put my nightgown on again, then lie back down, staring at the ceiling. Thane does, too, while releasing a heavy sigh.
I look at him. He’s already watching me. His face is much more relaxed than it was before, but he still looks like he wants to say something. Reveal something. Instead of pestering him about what might be on his mind and ruining the moment, I slide closer and rest my head on his chest.
His whole body stiffens.
This is clearly a new thing for him, but I don’t care. It feels necessary right now. I want him close. I inhale his scent as I hug him sideways. Slowly, his body gives into the hug, and he wraps his arm around me. He’s warm and comforting…or perhaps I’ve been so lonely lately that I’m willing to accept any kind of embrace.
I sigh, way more content than I should be. I can’t help it, really. It’s odd, but I feel safe in his arms. Safe…with a damn outlawed shadow assassin. I could blame my feelings on some kind of mysterious spell he’s cast, but then I’d be lying to myself. What I’m feeling for him is real—has been for days. I can no longer deny it.
As I drift off to sleep, I think I hear him say, “Mea trelanak.”
I don’t know much Thelasian; however, I studied the basics, and I remember those words very well.
I’m sorry.
Chapter 41
I startle awake when I hear a few thumps and clatters and sit up in bed.
Everything appears normal in the room, yet I feel a sense of foreboding come over me…like something bad is going to happen. Perhaps the feeling is warranted. The Shallows aren’t too far away, and there are unspeakable horrors on that island that await us.
The sun filters through the gaps in the green curtains, highlighting Thane’s empty half of the bed. I run a hand over the spot where he slept, and it’s cool to the touch. A lump forms in my throat as a whisper of insecurity flares through me.
Where did he go? Does he regret what we did last night?
I suppose the bigger question is why am I not regretting it? Sex with an assassin? I could be hanged for treason if the wrong person were to find out what he is and our connection.
The thumping and clattering happens again in the hallway, along with the sound of someone humming. I climb out of bed and take a peek out the door to see Irina across the hall, cleaning one of the rooms.
I shut the door again. Roosters crow in the distance, but the inn is mostly quiet and calm. I grab my rucksack to find clothes, give myself a quick wash before getting dressed, and then loosen my braids.
The lobby is vacant when I enter. A station in the corner is set up with a teapot along with porcelain mugs and cubes of sugar. The tea calls to me, steam blooming from the pot’s spout, but I leave it be and march toward the exit to look for Thane.
The sun drowns me in its bold, warm light when I step outside. The salty air is humid and thick. Fortunately, the occasional breeze helps counteract the heat. With one hand on my hip and the other above my brows to block the beaming rays, I search the busy streets for any sign of my crew. I don’t see Thane anywhere, but I can hear Algar’s voice. And it doesn’t sound like it’s coming from the street.
I follow his voice around the side of the inn, which leads to a field of manicured grass and a grove of trees with low-hanging white wisteria. In the distance, I spot Algar slashing a dagger in the air, while Thane stands a few feet away with his arms folded, seemingly unimpressed by Algar’s performance.
I feel more relief seeing Thane than I should. I don’t know why I ever thought he ran away or bailed on me.
“And then you give it a quick twist like that,” I hear Algar say as I approach. “Deep in the right of their gut, just like that, yeah? Twist it hard—left then right—and they’re as good as dead. Trust me.”