Page 24 of Darkness Rising
Yes. We both know I’ll win.
Chapter Fourteen
Confessions
When dawn strikes across the pretty meadow in hues of gold and pure white, I already know how I’ll take Jeriko’s life. He sleeps soundly, but I’d never stoop low enough to kill someone in their sleep. Someday, I’ll hold his manic gaze, stare up into his eyes and slam a blade right through his little black heart.
“It’s creepy to watch someone sleep.” Nollix doesn’t look at me as he starts to pull on his thin white shirt.
I’m planted against my tree again, waiting for the others to wake. Nollix woke an hour ago, took one look at me and hasn’t acknowledged me since.
He wants to though. I can tell. His casual teasing is the first sign of him lowering his guard. I’ve seen him do it countless times with Link.
And now he’s doing it with me.
Is he mad that I shut him out again?
I guess I would be. Jeriko is the closest thing to a friend that he has. Jeriko hates me, Link coddles me, I avoid them all. That leaves Nollix trying to find a hint of normalcy in our little band of brothers.
“Like you didn’t watch me when I was asleep.” I taunt him with my words to force him to acknowledge me.
“No, I think your human friend did that enough.” His attention drifts to Cameron. The Warlock’s head rests against my thigh and my fingers push through his soft hair. He does look human; less perfect than the other men in my life. He looks pure and innocent.
Is Nollix … jealous?
To test him, my index finger skims the length of Cameron’s jawline and I study his handsome features. For a moment, I forget I’m trying to get a real emotion out of Nollix. All this Warlock wants is help in saving our kingdom from my own father’s cruelty.
I want to help him. But I don’t know if I can face my father again.
Not without murdering him.
“Fae don’t have to watch a pretty woman to know she’s safe.” Nollix comes closer before crouching down, peering into my eyes as he licks his lips slowly. “Fae can feel desires. They don’t need to see a woman to know what she needs. Fae are different.”
His sensuous words tingle all through me. What does Nollix know about desire?
“You’re nothing special, Nollix. Don’t try to pretend you’re somehow better.”
“It’s a simple fact. We’re different.” He pauses for only a second, his gaze flashing with mischief. “Taste different too.”
He doesn’t look at me as he says it. If it wasn’t for the small smile pulling at his lips, I’d say he believes those words himself.
Some woman must have stroked his ego too hard.
Or he’s just as crazy as he seems.
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not. Like pure sugar. Melt-in-your-mouth sweet.”
Now I’m not even sure. Maybe he isn’t lying.
“I don’t believe you.”
He levels his gaze at me.
“Fucking cupcakes and shit, I swear it.”
His rumbling laughter finally breaks through, the deep sound of it tumbles through me. It makes me smirk at him even as my eyes roll at his words.
