Page 80 of Shadows of Nightshade
He looked to the fireplace, to the seat I’d been coveting, and answered, “Why don’t you sit down over there? We’ll try to get some work done before Damen decides to grace us with his presence.”
Of course, that was my plan. But Julian asking me to join him made my skin feel tingly. “O-okay!”
No other words were spoken, and Julian left me to my own devices after he watched me settle in the chair. He buried himself in his studies like a man running low on time. Soon, though, my shyness passed, and the atmosphere shifted into quiet contentment.
Julian was the perfect study partner. He was adept at focusing on his own work and not asking a million questions about mine. A companionable silence had fallen over the two of usas we remained in our own corners. There was a lazy feeling of contentment settling around me—a similar familiarity that might have taken years to build with anyone else.
What stood out to me the most, though, was the shift that’d taken place since earlier this afternoon. Before, being alone with a man would have left me with residual tension. Yet now, even the smallest hint of worry refused to touch me. It was strange that my remaining anxieties about these boys and our friendship had been settled with Miles’s admission about their dating life. There was solace in the simple knowledge that, no matter what happened, I was safe.
Especially with Julian, who was so quiet and demure.
My thoughts began to drift from my studies, and I peeked at him over the top of my book, noting his serene, proper posture. It wouldn’t be as warm over there, but he didn’t look cold. In fact, he didn’t seem to be aware of much of anything outside of his work.
He had a book laid over his knee as his attention moved over the words, and every few moments, he licked his finger as he turned a yellowing page.
I really hoped that the book wasn’t borrowed—that seemed terribly unhygienic.
“Is everything okay?” he asked, and the quiet atmosphere vanished.
I was horrified—embarrassed—that, once more, I’d been caught staring at him.
“Yes!” My voice squeaked, and I raised my book to cover my mouth. “I was just thinking.”
I hadn’t been sure how to discuss what had happened during Miles’s practice. The ghost had followed me—but was that normal? Miles, obviously, wasn’t the best person to talk to aboutthis topic, and I hadn’t been able to get Damen alone before he ran away.
“What are you thinking about?” Julian asked. He crossed his arms over the now-closed book. A white library tag was faintly visible from the spine, and I inwardly cringed.
Being a powerful mythical being must make one impervious to germs.
But even more importantly…
“What”—I hoped this didn’t come across as being ungrateful or inpatient—“what are we going to do about the ghost?” Did he have any ideas? I shouldn’t ask, but I did not like to leave things incomplete.
Besides, who was overseeing this investigation? I chewed my bottom lip, uncertain. I was used to working with Finn, and he’d always followed my lead. I’d just assumed Damen had a plan—but I’d begun to see that he was a bit more impulsive than expected.
I might have to start with some gentle urging.
Whatever the next steps were, though, we’d have to start soon. It was growing harder to ignore the pressing desperation prickling along the edges of my nerves.
“Did something happen?” I jumped as Julian took my book from my hands. I hadn’t noticed him crossing the room.
How long had he been talking to me?
“Um…” I muttered as he sat beside me.
Our thighs were touching. He wouldn’t hurt me—I knew this. But that didn’t mean that I’d been prepared for the jarring warmth of his body pressing against mine.
I sucked in a choking breath, willing my pulse to slow. There was no need to be afraid.
They couldn’t date.
Julian inched over and bent toward me as he urged my attentionto his face. My heart was racing, but his presence gave me courage, and my nervous energy disappeared.
I couldn’t look away from him.
“What happened?” he asked.
“I saw her again.” Why were my defenses crumbling so easily? He said nothing in response, and I added, “The ghost.”
