Page 62 of Restored

“Oh, I wasn’t kidding, blondie. I can think of nothing I’d like more.” His power snakes out in a cloudy haze, caressing my wrists and stroking up my arms. I shudder when it reaches my neck, tickling my skin before squeezing firmly, cutting off my air supply.

A bolt of desire strikes through me like lightning, sizzling my core. His head dips until our lips are a breath apart.

“You, writhing underneath me, begging for my touch,” he purrs, and my head swims from lack of air and his closeness. Even if I could speak, my brain is empty of everything but him. “I would worship every inch of your body. Ruin you for any man that dares come after me.” He makes it sound so appealing. I always swore I would never let myself be ruined by a man. What scares me the most is for him, I think I’d beg for it.

His grip on my throat loosens, and I take a pitiful breath.

“Show me.”The words almost leave my mouth in some kind of desperate plea. His power clings to my skin for a torturous moment before reeling back into him.

“I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you, Layla, and your complete disregard for your health and safety infuriates me,” he growls. He tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear and gives my mouth another leisurely look before backing away.

I realize, then, that I am clinging to the doorframe. I stay that way, stunned, as he removes his tunic, replacing it with a soft cotton shirt.

He walks another identical shirt over to me, holding it out for me to take. I hesitate, uncurling my fingers from where my nails dig into the wood.

“For you to sleep in. Unless you sleep unclothed, in which case, feel free.”

I snatch the shirt from his hands and scurry into his washroom. Once the door is shut, I rest my back against it, taking a few grounding breaths.Gods, I need to get a grip.

I toss off my tight tunic and replace it with Ledger’s oversized shirt. It hangs down to my knees. I keep my pants on, splashing some cold water onto my face.

Ledger opens the door, walks inside, and eyes the side of my face. Grabbing a cloth, he wets it and brings it to my ear, wiping away the crusted blood.

His touch is gentle, his presence familiar and comforting. He tosses the ruddy cloth onto the countertop.

“This seems a little scandalous. I wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. I really should get back to my room,” I try again.

“The only place you’re going is my bed.”

I follow him out of the bathroom, and he eyes the trousers I purposely left on. “They aren’t coming off, Prince, so don’t bother.”

“As you wish.” He lifts the covers of his bed and motions for me to get in. My eyes are bleary, my ears still dully ringing. I’m drained, completely depleted, and in desperate need of sleep.

I slip into the lush sheets, allowing the fight to leave my body when I feel how comfortable it is. Ledger doesn’t get in on the other side but instead places a tray of food in front of me and drags a chair up to bed, sits, and pulls out a book.

“Where did this come from?” I question as my stomach growls.

“Humphrey sent some food after he saw us. Thought you could use it to help replenish your power.”

“You aren’t sleeping?” I ask. He must have been exhausted; it was well into the night by now.

“No. I told you; you extended a dangerous amount of power today, and I want to make sure you’re okay.”

“Ledger, I’m fine. You need sleep, too.”

“And I’m fine here. Eat, Layla, and then rest.” He looks pointedly at the tray of food and then opens his book when I take a bite.

“How do I know I won’t wake up cuffed to the bed?” My stomach growls, demanding sustenance. I take a few bites of juicy guinea fowl and some kind of green vegetable.

“You’d have to ask nicely for that, and since manners aren’t your strong suit, I believe you’re safe for tonight.” He watches me dribble honey over the melon on the tray and bring it to my mouth.

“You have a point.” I grin.

After eating my fill, I push the tray to the other side of the bed. A yawn escapes me; I’m tired and satiated.

I can feel the food already replenishing some of my power reserves. My eyes grow heavy, and with no more energy left to fight, I sink into the soft pillows. They smell like the forest.

I stare at him as he reads, my eyes heavy. Ledger glances up from the page when he senses my gaze and raises an eyebrow.

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