Page 138 of Taken By the Fae

“No,” I answer too fast. “I mean, he’s probably busy. Don’t bother him.”

“Right.” She draws out the word, making me roll my eyes. “I’m sure he has plans on a Friday night when most of his friends are attending the same party. You’re right. His schedule is probably jam-packed.”

“Yeah,” I mumble. “I have to hop in the shower. I’ll see you soon.”

“Bye,” she sings before hanging up.

I get in the shower, tossing around the idea of Tristan showing up tonight. I want him here, but I’m also nervous about what I’ll do if he shows up.Get it together. I can control myself. Just because I want him so badly it hurts doesn’t mean I can’t be in the same room and keep my hands off him.

Turning the water off, I step out of the shower and wrap myself in a towel. After I’ve finished drying and curling my hair into loose waves, I put on a bit of makeup and walk into the other room to grab my dress.

My eyes find his immediately, and my mouth goes dry.

His eyes are sharp, ablaze with hunger, making heat pool low in my belly. One look—one fucking look, and I’m ready to drop my towel, the only thing between my body and his gaze.

“Surprise,” Tristan murmurs, rising from where he was sitting on the end of the bed.

I swallow hard as he stops close enough for me to reach out and touch. “It’s not my party,” I say, taking a moment to build a shield to cover my emotions from his view. That too has become easier the more I practice and, begrudgingly, the more I feed.

His mouth curls into a smirk. “I’m practicing.” He pushes a hand through his hair, messing it up a bit. “The guy behind the bar said he thought you came up here. I knocked, and the door was open,” he explains.

“I didn’t think you were coming.” I use that opportunity to take in his casual attire. I’ll never tire of seeing him in a suit, but this laid-back, dark jeans and T-shirt look makes me melt all the same.

“You thought I’d miss seeing you like this?”

I arch a brow, heat rising in my cheeks. “In a towel?”

He chuckles. “Relaxed and having fun with your friends instead of worrying about being fae or the future.”

A smile touches my lips. “So long as Nikolai doesn’t say something that makes Skylar kill him, I’ll actually be able to relax and have fun.”

“You make a good point. I have yet to understand how Sterling gets under her skin. He’s the only one I’ve seen who can.”

“That’s because there’s no one stupid enough to try. She’d claw their eyes out.”

“Then why is he still alive?”

I shoot him a look, and he smiles. “I need to get dressed,” I say instead of responding.

“Of course,” he says, but makes no move to leave the room.

I bite the inside of my cheek. “I can manage on my own.”

Amusement flashes across his face. “You sure?”

I press my lips together before I do something stupid, like invite him to stay and forget about the party. “Tristan,” I say softly. “I’ll be down in a few.”

His expression smoothes, and he holds my gaze a few moments longer before leaving.

I press my hand against my chest to feel the way my heart is hammering, and my lips curl at the giddiness swirling around my stomach from seeing Tristan. I replay the moment on a loop as I change into the casual long-sleeved maroon dress and heels I packed, then head back downstairs.

People fill the pub, chatting and drinking while we wait for Max and Oliver to arrive. Allison bounces over and hands me a beer, which I take a long drink of.

“This is a great turnout, Al. Thanks for taking care of the invites.”

She beams. “Not a problem. I just hope Oliver is surprised.”

I nod in agreement.

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