Page 67 of Restored

“Thank you.” I take a long drag and let the rich, fruity liquid coat my mouth.

Ledger takes his own mouthful, and I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows. I fidget with the stem of my glass.

“How is your father?” I break the silence first.

“He is impossibly well.” He clears his throat from a lump of emotion. “Thank you, Layla, truly. You are Westray’s salvation, my salvation, and I am in awe of you.”

“Well, you didn’t bring me here to fail now, did you?” I throw his words back at him but with a teasing tone.

“I get it. I should not have said that. I can be a real ass at times.”

“Your words, not mine.” I grin while taking another sip.

“I was hoping to talk to you before morning. Honestly, I was afraid you’d already be halfway to Bellehaven by now.”

“Considering I can’t ride a horse, that would be highly unlikely.” I smile into my wine glass.

“Have you thought of what your life could be here if you stayed?” The words tumble out of his mouth, and Irealize he’s nervous. “You could have your own healing wing. You’d be able to treat who you like when you like.”

“My very own healing wing? Fancy.” I entertain him. “And would your people have to pay to see me?”

“You could do it for no charge if that is what you wish.”

“Where would I sleep?” I know I can’t stay, but I need something to dream of when I inevitably must go back.

“In your room, of course.” He looks around the room we stand in, and I like how he refers to it as mine.

I nod, taking a generous sip of the wine before placing the glass down to ponder his words. Having free will and being able to use my abilities to truly help people without stipulations has always been a dream of mine. For people to be able to get the care they need without having to choose between their health and putting food in their stomachs. It would be the life my father would have wanted for me.

“What will you do when the King of Bellehaven retaliates?”

“We will offer him riches, give him what he desires as long as it is not you. And if it is your mother you want, we can try to get her out. Bring her here.” My heart flips at his offer, at the way he makes it all sound so deceivingly easy. I know the King of Bellehaven would not accept any amount of money. I couldn’t think of a single thing that Ledger could offer him in exchange for me that he would accept.

As far as my mother goes, I would love to bring her to Westray, take her to the library, and show her the gardens. I just didn’t believe she could travel so far in her condition.

“And if I wish to leave Westray?” I think I see a grimace pass over Ledger’s face, but it is gone too rapidly to confirm.

“Then I will escort you back to Bellehaven myself.”

“What do you want, Prince? Do you wish me to stay, or would it be a great relief to see me go?” I ask, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear him say it again.

“I will not tell you what to do, Layla. My opinion should hardly matter,” he responds, and I try to hide the disappointment that passes across my face at his answer. “But it would be a great relief to think of something that isn’t you. To be able to concentrate without my mind wandering to your beautiful face, your wild hair, your fucking frost-blue eyes,” he continues and my heart gallops. “I’ve been able to think of little else. I fear, however, not even your absence will deter that.”

I can hardly breathe at his confession. He always did have a way to stun me into silence. I find it hard to comprehendIhave any effect at all on this beautiful man.

I will never admit it to myself but as much as I loathe this man at times, I desire him more. I want him beyond reason, a feeling I can’t understand and stopped trying to rationalize long ago.

Maybe it is the wine or his confession, but I feel bold as I look up at him. Blood charges through my veins. “Thengive me a reason to stay, Prince.” I take a step closer to him, feeling the heat of his body through my thin nightgown.

His eyes darken as he studies me. “You should be cautious of what you ask. I am a starving man.”

“I know exactly what I ask.” I stare into his eyes as I say the words, hoping I sound more confident than I feel. I amsickof pretending,sickof denying myself of the things I so desperately desire.

It seems like that is all the confirmation he needs. He turns, placing his glass down before his attention drifts back to me, my body lighting up with anticipation.

His heated gaze meets mine before seductively, lazily sliding down my body. I flush in his wake; there isn’t a single nerve ending that doesn’t feel his eyes.

I could easily find myself addicted to the expression he currently wears as he devours me. I bask in his attention, crave it.

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