Page 92 of Keeper

“Well, if you’re done being a nuisance, some of us would like to sleep,” I huff, flopping back onto the bed.

Cenric laughs again. “By all means, don’t let me stop you.”

I close my eyes, determined to ignore him. But I can feel his stare on me, heavy as a physical touch.

“You know,” I say without opening my eyes, “it’s rather difficult to sleep when you’re staring at me like that.”

“Like what?”

I crack one eye open. “Like you’re trying to memorize every freckle on my face.”

“Perhaps I am.”

“Well, stop it. It’s unnerving.”

“I thought you weren’t scared of me.”

“I’m not.” Determined to not cave to the need strumming inside me, I yank my blanket to my chin. “But your intense staring is making me self-conscious. Do I have porridge on my chin or something?”

Those vivid blue eyes roam my face. “No porridge. Just an absurd number of freckles.”

I gasp. “My freckles are delightful. They’re like constellations.”

Using his knuckles, he skims my cheek. “What constellation would you call this one?”

“That’s theIt’s none of your business constellation. It’s very rare.”

“I see. And this one?” His finger moves to just above my lip.

Mercy, is he trying to kill me?

“That’s theIf you don’t stop pointing at my face,I’ll bite your finger off constellation,” I say, my voice embarrassingly breathy.

Something flashes in his eyes. Something I dare not name, because if I do, I might forget about my vow to not kiss him tonight.

“Is that a threat or a promise?” he asks.

Both.

Neither.

I don’t know anymore.

“It’s a very serious warning,” I say. “I have sharp teeth.”

Cenric’s focus drops to my mouth again. “Do you now?”

I swallow hard. “You know, for someone who’s supposed to be guarding me, you’re awfully preoccupied with my face.”

“I’m multitasking,” Cenric says, his eyes still fixed on my lips.

Is it hot in here?

It feels hot in here.

It takes everything in me to not fan my face. “Well, you’re terrible at it. What if rebels burst in right now? You’d be too busy counting freckles to notice.”

He quirks an eyebrow. “I assure you, I’m always alert.”

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