Page 12 of Restored

“You could never lose me, Lay. You felt it, I know you felt it.” He pushes me back gently until my back hits the wall again. He leans down so our mouths are almost torturously touching.

I close my eyes against the desire that stirs in my veins. His hand cups the side of my face and his fingers curl in my hair as he brushes his lips against mine in a devastating kiss.

I push up on my toes, chasing more as his tongue traces the line between my lips. His other hand grips my hip firmly, yanking me against him so I can feel just how much he wants me.

Gods, he is good at this.

My heart pounds as blood surges through me. I want to wrap my legs around him, to tear off all the clothing that separates our skin.

My brain screams at me to stop, but my body demands I continue. He is the one person in this world who means the most to me, and I am playing a dangerous game. A game that, if lost, would cost me dearly.

I manage to pull myself away and drag in a ragged breath. “Stop, we need to stop.” I barely get the words out and have to fist my hands at my sides to keep from reaching for him as he steps back.

He notices my reaction and smothers the grin from his face. “If you need time, I can give you time, but I know I want this.”

I touch his stomach and let my head fall onto his chest. I breathe him in. He smells clean and familiar. “Time would be good,” I murmur, and he nods, rubbing his hands down my back before putting much-needed space between us.

“I’ll be in my room if you want to finish what we started.” I can hear his smirk as he walks to the door.

“I fear you severely overestimate the effect you have on women.”

He chuckles as he leaves.

I don’t know what to think about what just happened. I’d always been attracted to Maddox, but we’d been strictly off-limits to each other.

He is my best friend, and I’m terrified to mess up what we’ve built over all these years. Kissing him is easy, natural, and I can’t deny the pining I’d felt for him during it.

I take a few deep breaths to quell the desire still stirring in my belly before making my way back to the table. Tearing at an uneaten baguette, I pull my knees to my chest.

The balcony door swings open, drawing my attention. The wind whips around the room, sending a chill over my skin. I drop the bread and swallow.

My brows furrow as I stand, taking a few slow steps towards the creaking door. “Hello?” I call softly, craning my neck and peering out into the dark.

A soft breeze blows loose tendrils of hair around my face and a shiver skitters up my spine. It’s faint, but I swear I sense a pulse of power. The hair of my arms stands on end, and my heartbeat ratchets up a few paces.

My eyes bulge as gray smoke drifts into the room. I spring back as it trails through the air towards me. It reaches my ankle, and I suck in a startled breath as it caresses up my calf, around my middle, and over my neck. A shudder rolls through my body. It feels cool and euphoric, and my own magic awakens in response as if curious.

I nearly yelp as the emerald-eyed man from earlier steps through the doors. My eyes dart around the room looking for a weapon as I jolt back.

“Don’t scream. I’m not here to hurt you.” He holds up his hands in surrender, and his power recedes into him.

“What do you want?” I take a step back, my eyes flicking to the door. I know Hecktor is standing at attention on the other side.

“I want you.”

I raise an eyebrow at him.

“Your power to be more specific.” When I don’t speak, he continues, “Someone I care for is very ill and doesn’t have much time left. I have tried everything to no avail and am out of options. I saw what you did today, what you are capable of.”

“Is the person you speak of in Bellehaven?” He shakes his head no, and I let out a disbelieving huff of air. “So youare proposing I leave and travel to Westray? King Sandor would never allow it.”

“I am well aware of the fact your King does not like to share. That is why I do not ask him, but you. I can pay you handsomely.”

“I am sorry about your circumstances, but I can’t leave. The punishment would be too great, and the risk is one I can’t take.” My mother’s face flashes in my mind.

“You could have a better life in Westray. Serve a King that isn’t a selfish tyrant.” He spits the last part, a scowl on his lips. I’ve dreamed of a life away from Bellehaven since the moment I was brought into this God’s forsaken castle.

I distract myself with books and ease my guilt by sneaking out to heal the powerless. I am not foolish enough to believe I can exist away from here as long as my mother is alive. Besides Maddox, she is the one thing I have left, and my father would have wanted me to keep her safe.

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