Page 94 of To Crave Madly
Alec looked a bit nervous. I bet he was worried about bumping into the old witch who had something to do with his missing heart. I’d have to make sure he was okay and give him something to keep him occupied. Perhaps I could find him a nice dance partner for the evening. He looked like he could do with a distraction, and I bet a pretty face would work wonders for him.
I leant over to him and whispered in his ear. “Are you alright? Worried I’m going to show you up tonight?”
“I don’t think that’s possible,” he replied, waggling his eyebrows. “You haven’t seen me in a tux.”
My mind chose that moment to generate that image for me and I had to bite back a moan. With his dark hair, warm eyes and athletic build, he would look absolutely fucking amazing in a tuxedo. But I wasn’t going to let him know that.
“You think too much of yourself. You’ll have to use that charm on someone else. I’m immune.”
A snort escaped his full lips, and I had a hard time stopping the memory of them pressing against mine from surfacing. Heat crept up my neck and my heart fluttered in my chest.
He licked his lips, and my traitorous eyes tracked the movement. I hadn’t had a chance to speak to him since I’d kissed him in the training room, and now it was all I could think about.
His eyes darkened as he leant closer. Hot damn, he smelled amazing. “Yes, Lori. I can see how immune you are.”
What? “Pfft. You’re imagining things.”
“Am I?”
Oh, god. His lips were so close I could feel his breath against my cheek.
“Yes,” I whispered but even I could tell my answer lacked conviction.
He laughed quietly and his lips pulled into a wolfish grin. “Hmm. Are you sure? You look like you’re struggling to focus on the meeting.”
The meeting?
Oh, shit.
I looked back into the room and found everyone staring at me.
Oops.
I smiled apologetically at Jasper and had to resist the urge to punch Alec in the face. He just sat there, sniggering at my embarrassment, so when Jasper carried on and returned to discussing the plan, I jabbed Alec sharply in the ribs. He yelped like a little girl which had Jasper scowling in our direction again, but I managed to keep my face the picture of innocence, much to Alec’s disapproval.
“You’re such an ass, Alec.”
“Said the pot to the kettle,” he retorted with a smile.
Urgh. Why did I have to like him? He was such a pain in the butt.
“But seriously, are you alright? I know that we will probably meet the witch who—”
“I’m fine,” he said quickly. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
I sighed deeply. “Well, if you change your mind, I’m here. If you ever want to… you know… talk about it.”
“Thanks, but that will never happen.” His words were harsh and his eyes cold. I wasn’t going to push the subject, but I wanted him to at least know I was here if he ever needed anything.
“Okay, but the offer will always be on the table, Alec.”
“Whatever,” he replied, brushing me off. I could tell he wasn’t concentrating on the meeting; his eyes glazed over as he disappeared into whatever secrets tormented his past. I just hoped that he shared them with someone, even if it wasn’t me. I didn’t want it to eat him alive.
Chapter 33
LEVI
Lucifer’s history was fascinating. I’d read everything there was to read about it and now turned myself to the personal diaries of one of his most trusted advisors. There was a whole host of details contained in these pages that spoke of a king who was wise, honest, fair but also manipulative, brutal and extremely hot tempered. Almost like a man of two halves.
