Page 69 of The Assassin's Dancer
“Shouldn’t you be asleep?” he asks warily.
Gnawing my lip, I pull my blanket closer. “Sorry, I was just?—”
“Are you cold?” Worry tugs at his brow. Pushing away from the door, he stands in front of me. “You’re shivering.”
I wrap my arms around myself. “Yes, but Meera said it’s just the bliss leaving my system.” Lowering my chin, I shiver again, almost biting my tongue this time. “I’m fine really. I was just going to sit by a fire or something.”
“There’s a fireplace in my room,” he says gruffly. “Come in. I’ll light it for you.”
My stomach dips. “Are you sure? It’s late and I don’t want to keep you up.”
“It’s fine.”
I want to say more, but he’s already walking back into his room, leaving the door open for me to follow.
I know I shouldn’t go in there. Out here is safe, albeit cold, and there’s a fireplace downstairs – maybe I should just wake Meera instead. But then I shake my head, swallowing down the nervous flutters in my stomach.
Kasimirissafe. I’m being ridiculous.
Somehow the Scorpion’s bedchamber is even cosier than I remember. Moonlight spills over his slept-in sheets, soft and silver, casting a pale glow over the floor. Little candles flicker away on the dresser, lighting up Kasimir’s back as he stoops over the fireplace.
“I should’ve checked on you sooner.” He stokes the fire as I shut the door behind me. “But Meera was adamant you be left alone. She’s dealt with blissed-up girls quite a few times now. I thought it would be best to just let her do her thing.”
He rises to his full height, the crackling flames now strong enough to make the room glow. I feel the difference almost immediately, and I step closer to the fire, smiling as the warmth embraces me.
“How much of the mission do you remember?”
Suddenly, it’s like my skin is burning. “Oh, um, not much,” I say, keeping my eyes on the flames. “My head’s still a foggy mess.” I laugh lightly.
“Hmm,” Kaz murmurs.
Over the sound of the flames, I hear him move towards an armchair and sink into it. When I look over my shoulder, he’s staring at me with darkened eyes, his trailing gaze leaving more heat than the fire.
“Come here, Ruby,” he orders.
“What?” My breath stutters.
He adjusts in his seat, letting his arms fall over the armrests. “You’re shivering. Clearly the fire isn’t enough, so let me help you.”
I shake my head. But then, as if on cue, I shiver again.
“Come here, Amaryllis.” He leans forward, jaw tensing. “I’m not going to tell you again.”
My stomach flips. Before I can stop myself, I pad over to where he’s sitting.
“There’s my good girl.” He smirks, taking my wrist and pulling me closer.
With a gasp, I collapse onto his lap, my knees landing either side of his hips as his arms hug me to his chest. Straightaway, I feel so warm.
“You’re freezing,” he breathes into my ear. “You should sleep in here for the night. It’s much warmer than the spare room.”
It definitely is. Even as the blanket slips off my shoulders, I feel nothing but heat wherever my body touches his. But still, this is wrong. Isn’t it? I shouldn’t have even left the palace, let alone be considering spending the night in the same room asa man.
“I don’t know if this is a good idea,” I draw back. “Maybe I should go to my room.”
“Wait.” Kaz catches my wrists, sending my heart into a fluttering mess. Slowly, he lifts one of his hands to catch my chin. “Why are you so afraid of me?” He tilts his head.
“I’m not afraid of you.” I try to reply in a strong voice, but it comes out as more of a whisper.
