Total pages in book: 401
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
That was right. I’d forgotten.
His gaze swept over me as he drew his lower lip between his teeth, showing me a hint of fang. “But I can think of a few things to occupy the time between now and then.”
I kept my expression blank, even as heat curled through me. “Can you think of something more productive than what you have in mind?”
“Oh, what I have in mind is quite productive.”
“Uh-huh.” Passing my boots, I walked to the table before the sofa and picked up my thigh harness. “There is something we can do.”
He turned toward me. “Hopefully, it involves less clothes or none at all. But since you’re putting on a harness, I’m guessing it doesn’t.”
“You would be correct.” I secured the straps as I eyed the daggers I’d set out earlier—one shadowstone, the other the still-wrapped bloodstone blade. “We could start on our…plans for the Ascended.”
“You’re that eager to get started?”
“Absolutely not. But I’d rather get it over with.”
“I get that. But Kieran’s not here.”
Relief swept through me. I did want to get it over with, but I also wanted to delay it.
“Is there a reason you grabbed the shadowstone dagger and not yours?”
“Yeah.” My gaze fell to the wrapped bundle. “Ever since I learned how it was made…that the hilt was crafted from Preela’s bones?” A shudder ran through me. “I can’t look at it the same. Nor after seeing it strike down Delano.”
Casteel was quiet for a moment. “That’s understandable.”
“I was thinking about giving it to Delano.” I glanced over at Casteel. “Unless you think that would hurt him.”
“I don’t think it would, but Vikter gave it to you. It means something to you.”
“It does—did. But it belongs to him.” I rubbed my palms over my knees. “Even if he doesn’t want it, I won’t use it again.”
Casteel stayed silent, watching me in an intense, piercing way that made me want to squirm.
I continued dragging my palms over my bent knees. “Speaking of Kieran, I’m surprised he didn’t join us for lunch.”
“He’s likely busy with the generals.” A brief grin appeared.
There was no hesitation in his answer, and it made sense, but plenty of others could’ve handled those tasks.
“Or perhaps with Helenea,” he added.
Curiosity sparked. “You think?”
“No.” He laughed.
My lips pursed. “She was staring at him a lot.”
“I noticed.”
“Do you think he noticed?”
“Probably not.”
I watched him from the corner of my eye. “She’s really pretty.”
“She is, but it takes more than that to catch Kieran’s attention and keep it.”
Poking at a fang with my tongue, I nodded and looped my arms around my knees. “It’s odd,” I said after a moment, keeping my tone light. “Kieran being with the generals.”
A single brow rose. “Is it?”
“Yes. He’s the Advisor to the Crown. He should be here, not out with the generals,” I reasoned. “And he’s also your closest…” Friend didn’t seem like a strong enough term for what Kieran was to him—or us.
“Closest…?”
“Closest whatever.” I shrugged. “What is going on between you two?”
“The answer is the same as the last time you asked.” His head tilted. “But I can tell you don’t believe that.”
I twisted my fingers together, hating that he was right. “I don’t.”
Casteel stared at me for a moment and then laughed. I immediately tensed at the sound of it. It was dry. Cutting. “You don’t trust me?” He pushed off the frame. “Shocker.”
“Wait. What?” I watched him turn. “I didn’t say that.”
“You’re right. You didn’t say that.” He walked into the dining chamber. “You don’t trust what I’m saying. Apparently, there’s a big difference between the two.”
“There is.” Jumping to my feet, I followed him. “There’s a huge difference.”
Casteel humphed as he stopped in front of the credenza, and the deep, closed-lip sound turned a dial deep inside me straight to bitch.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I demanded. “The noise you just made.”
He picked up a bottle. “What noise?”
My eyes doubled in size. “The noise you just made, Casteel.”
“I think I was clearing my throat.”
“Are you fucking serious?”
“Language,” he said softly, glancing over his shoulder at me. “It’s unbecoming of a lady.”
I was struck speechless for several moments. “I’m about to show you just how unbecoming I can be.”
“Now, don’t go threatening me with a good time,” he remarked, pouring liquid into a glass. “Drink?”
“No.” I took a deep breath and counted to ten. I made it to four. “You made a humph sound. That wasn’t a clearing-your-throat sound.”
Facing me, he cocked his head. “Are you sure?” He cleared his throat. “They sound the same to me.”
I just stared at him. “They do not—”
Casteel cleared his throat again.
“Okay, they do sound similar,” I admitted, “but that was not what you were doing.”
Watching me, he sipped the drink. “Are we really arguing over a humphing sound?”
“Yes. No!” Exasperated, I threw up my hands. “No. We’re talking about the fact that you’re not being honest with me.”