Page 70 of Veil of Shadows

“They’re the ones who bring cleaning charms and new supplies for the bathing chambers. At least one of the staff come into this suite each day.”

Alec’s eyebrows rose just as he passed us in the hall, and Trivan muffled a cough from the living area.

I suddenly remembered that we weren’t alone, and our conversation wasn’t private. Flustered even more, I snatched my arm away from Jax’s strong fingers while Lander watched us from his seat on the couch. Trivan was sitting right beside him, not even trying to hide his smirk.

At least Phillen and Lars had already retreated to their chambers, making two less fae to witness my flushed cheeks.

My heartbeat thumped, especially when Jax’s focus never faltered. He continued watching me. Waiting.

Another second ticked past, and his gaze dipped to my chest, which was rising much too quickly for someone standing still.

“If you’re willing?” he added in a soft voice. “I would like you in my chambers tonight.”

I played with my fingers as the silence in the hall grew painfully quiet. “All right,” I finally replied. “I suppose we could.”

A flash of something shone in his eyes, but in a blink, it was gone. He stepped closer, and his mouth dipped to my ear. “Come.” He hooked his hand around mine.

My heart began beating so fast I felt lightheaded, and I could have sworn that I heard Trivan snickering behind us.

Inside Jax’s chambers,only moonlight lit the furniture and decorations. It was a simple design with a large bed, several end tables, a cold fireplace, and a few couches. A large closet ran the length of the entire room, and of course, it had its own bathing chamber.

I hadn’t seen the inside of his chambers yet. I’d been avoiding it all week.

I stood at the threshold, twisting my fingers. “Where should I sleep?”

His presence brushed up behind me, his chest like a wall of gravity that threatened to pull me in. “You can take the bed. I’ll take the couch. As long as both of our scents are in this room, the staff shouldn’t question our sleeping arrangements further.”

A pang of relief, or perhaps disappointment, hit me. Not wanting to analyzethat, I hurried to the bathing chamber and promptly closed the door.

But as soon as I was alone in the room, I groaned. I hadn’t been thinking when I immediately retreated here. My bags were still in the other room. Not that it mattered, since I didn’t own any pajamas. All week I’d been sleeping in my underthings, but there was no way I was leaving these chambers dressed only in that.

Huffing, I called upon my magic to whisk away the day’s grime, then I cleansed my teeth and freshened my breath. Following that, I stood there, not sure what to do next.

My image stared back at me in the mirror. Wide green eyes. Pale skin. Long chestnut hair weaving itself around my shoulders. I’d taken out my braid hours ago, so my hair hung in waves down my back. The purple sweater I wore was slightly dirty from my crawl along the Wood’s floor in Possyrose Forest, and since my magic was strong enough now to clean my clothes as well, I cleansed that too. But beyond that, there was nothing left for me to do.

Fingers twisting and turning together, I continued gazing at the mirror. I looked as I always did, minus the flush creeping up my neck just beneath my collar.

A soft knock came on the door. “Elowen?” Jax’s voice was muffled through the door’s thick wood.

I jumped. “Almost done!”

I made a few noises on the counter, just to make him think I was actually doing something other than delaying the inevitable. But after a few more minutes passed, I knew I had to face him.

My hand shook when I clenched the door handle. I had no idea what was spiraling between us, but as his friends implied,somethingclearly was.

I opened the door with a flourish, and my breath immediately stopped.

Jax stood before me.

Shirtless.

My traitorous eyes dipped down his chest before I could stop myself. Hard pecs, chiseled abs, a myriad of scars, and a very distinct V dipped below his waistline.Stars and galaxy, why does he have to be so alluring?

A rumble of magic clouded around him, and when I finally glanced upward again, I came face-to-face with a satisfied-looking crown prince who’d just watched me check him out.

Flustered even more, I gestured behind me. “The bathing chamber is all yours.”

I slid past him, mortified that he’d just caught me ogling him.But to show up shirtless?

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