Page 116 of The Immortal's One

Page List

Font Size:

When he doesn’t, I sigh. Frustration threads through my tone. “Would you please just be honest with me?”

His lips flatten, and his easygoing demeanor only moments before evaporates.

Good.

I know how to deal with a surly Immortal. A charming one? That’s too complicated.

For a long moment, he simply stares at me. Thoughts swirl behind those beautiful green eyes as he weighs something in his mind.

The music fades. We slow. I expect Des to release my hand and run off to avoid my question. Instead, he leads me into another dance, his movements smooth and sure as the next song begins.

“Thane, Lome, and I were thorough when setting up this evening’s security,” he breaks the silence between us, his voice low and steady. “And while no one has attempted to breach those measures, our spies have informed us of three viable threats tonight.”

“Three?” My voice cracks.

Des nods, his expression unreadable.

Shit.

Maybe I don’t want him to bethathonest.

Anxiety spikes. I glance over my shoulder, scanning the room for any sign of trouble, though the elegant ballroom around us offers no clues.

Des’s grip on my hand tightens. “Don’t worry. You’re safe. Soon, our plan will be put into action, and you’ll be one step closer to returning home.”

Home.

Right.

Take a breath, Darcie.

I heed my inner voice, inhaling through my nostrils. My head clears a bit, but when I exhale, my breath still comes out shaky.

Who could blame me?

I’m vulnerable. I’m a mortal in a crowd of Immortals, surrounded by beings with power beyond my understanding. The brothers might have set up all the security in the world, but even with their protection, I can’t escape the nagging fear that something is slipping through the cracks.

My head spins, and the constant turning in the dance isn’t helping. Dizziness rises in me.

Without thinking, I move closer to Des, pressing my forehead gently against his chest, just below his chin. I don’t know why I do it; I just need something to ground me.

He sucks in a breath, and for a split second, I worry I’ve overstepped. But then, to my surprise, the tension in his shoulders dissipates. His heart beats slow and strong beneath my head.

Des is aloof. He’s serious, not one to let down his guard. But right now, with his steady heartbeat and the warmth of his body, something about him is unexpectedly comforting. A strange calmness settles over me. I feel safe. Protected.

I shut my eyes, focusing on the rise and fall of his chest,trusting him to guide me through the dance and not let me trip. I don’t want to face the eyes on us—the judgment, the whispers. The room is watching, but at this moment, I tell myself they don’t matter. It’s just the two of us. Just until I get control of my fear.

A gentle touch brushes against my lower back. Des’s fingers trail over the fabric of my gown, heat warming my skin through the delicate material.

My eyes snap open, and I pull back slightly. Like a moth drawn to a flame, my gaze meets his. The look in his eyes shakes me to my core.

I… I don’t understand this man.

When we first met, he wanted nothing to do with me. Then, he became my reluctant ally. But now, there’s something else simmering beneath the surface of his stoic façade, something he’s not saying.

His thumb caresses the back of my hand as he guides me into another half turn.

“You know…” His voice trails off; uncertainty clouds his features.