Page 78 of Hunt the Dusk
Of course. Get in.
I popped the door and shuffled over so he could climb in.
He settled beside me, beaming at me, and I couldn’t help but grin back, then his gaze fell to my dress, and his eyes flared.
You look beautiful.
Butterflies spawned in my belly.Thank you. And you look dashing.
He smoothed a hand down his shirt and arched a brow.This old thing?
I bit back a giggle.How have things been? It seems like it’s been an age since we spoke.
His expression sobered.Nothing new on the investigation.
I stared at him steadily.I wasn’t asking about the investigation. I was asking about you.
He blinked sharply.I’ve been…good. Busy, as usual. I bought an apartment in New Town, and the decorating part is a pain. I’m not very good with color schemes and fabrics.
Do you want some help?
You know about interior decorating?
I smiled up at him.Not a thing, but we can muddle through together.
His laughter filled my mind. I’d like that.The car finally began to move.Atlas told me about your missing persons case. I’ve authorized personnel to help canvas.
Thank you. It’s so strange.
There are a lot of strange goings on in Dracul territory of late, but we can discuss those at dinner after the recital. I took the liberty of booking us a table at the Royal House again. You didn’t get to sample your dessert the last time. Maybe you can tell me what happened at Dracmore?
We’re not staying for the ball?
He looked surprised.You want to stay? We can stay.
He looked thrown, like he’d put his foot in it, and I reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his arm.I hate dancing, so dinner at the Royal House works fine. But I’d rather not relive Dracmore if it’s all the same to you.
He frowned. That bad?
Let’s just say it wasn’t the highlight of my month.
I’m sorry that I wasn’t there. Father did ask me to accompany him, but work took precedence. In hindsight, I should have come.
I doubt your being there would have stopped Darage from making his play.
His expression hardened. Maybe not, but I would have been there to help Ezekiel protect you.He covered my hand with his, and our gazes locked with a snick, and the back of the roomy vehicle no longer felt spacious. It felt close and intimate.
You are truly beautiful, Orina…
My cheeks warmed.I’m not used to compliments.
He lightly touched my cheek.I hope I can change that.His fingers dropped to my shoulder then skimmed down my arm. My markings warmed and tingled beneath his touch, and I bit back a gasp.
He pulled his hand away quickly.Time to go in.
The car came to a halt.
He climbed out then helped me out before guiding me up the steps to the school. We passed between stone pillars and headed to the warm rectangle of light spilling from the open door. My arm tingled once more, a phantom sensation left over from Kaster’s touch.
