Page 205 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

“I never wanted to leave Verdanthia!”

“Now who is the liar?”

I open my mouth to argue, but snap my lips shut.

He’s right.

Ferria and I did want to leave.

“Not like that.” I shake my head. “You didn’t give me a choice. You forced my hand.”

“You agreed to the deal.”

“Because I had no choice!”

“There is always a choice!” He steps forward, infiltrating my personal space.

The heady scent of spice and incense fills my nostrils with every ragged breath I take.

“You chose to stand up in that meeting hall,” he continues. “You chose to make a deal to save your pathetic, corrupt town. And you chose to do it a second time to save your lover.”

“Lev is not my lover!”

Not anymore.

“Oh, I’m aware.” His hand rests on my shoulder.

My breath catches as his thumb begins to stroke my flickering pulse. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Swirling eyes hold mine. “You already know. Fae senses are…superior. It will be the same for you once you tap into your true abilities.”

My thoughts spin.

Does he mean…

Gods.

The flush throughout my body deepens.

He can smell the fact that I haven’t bedded anyone?

“That’s…” Mortifying. “Invasive,” I spit out, my rapid pulse spiking.

Thank the Gods Darius turned me down after I threw myself at him…

Rian cares for his friend, but I don’t know if their friendship would save Darius from the prince’s unhinged behavior.

Rian continues to caress my throat with his thumb.

My accelerated heart rate starts to slow, my body foolishly lowering its guard in the presence of our most formidable enemy.

I squeeze my eyes shut to escape the unsettling lure of his stunning face.

“I don’t understand you,” I mutter again.

“I know, Sunshine.” His deep voice brushes against my forehead before he leans down to rest his forehead against mine.

I don’t pull away.