Page 46 of For the Ghastly and Beautiful

What makes me uncomfortable is him, plain and simple. It’s the way he refuses to politely move aside to let me step off the staircase. It’s the way he presses closer when he speaks… I feel trapped, like this is where he wants me. Alone with nowhere to run but up. But he thinks I’m meek, subdued. He doesn’t know if I’ll fight back or not.

I don’t like not having people around when he’s around. He makes my skin itch and my hair stand on end. I need to be somewhere more public than this.

Footsteps whisper of an approaching guard, and I nearly sag in relief. The muscle along Poko’s jaw flexes, betraying his agitation.

The Mongrel that turns the corner isn’t a guard, but it is Connak. My fake grin morphs into gratitude. His timing is perfect, even if he appears confused by my unwelcome company.

“I didn’t know you two were friendly,” he says in greeting.

I shake my head, but Poko speaks. “We’ve met a few times.”

“He’s here to escort me to Talodus,” I inform Connak, raising a questioning eyebrow.

Poko steps aside when the hunter moves closer to me, oblivious to the mounting tension. Or maybe it’s an act. I can’t be sure without asking him.

But if he isn’t acting, then he’ll want to know why I’m asking. That would mean laying my suspicions on the table without proof. I’d rather hold those cards close to my chest until I’m positive that I can provide something concrete.

My intuition and the few odd occurrences between us aren’t enough to start a witch hunt.

Sadly.

So far, this guy just gives me the creeps.

“We’ll go see Talodus later. You and I have plans today,” Connak comments as he grabs my hand, pulling me down the stairs and to his side. “I’ve got Ada from here, Poko. Thanks for keeping her company before I could snatch her up.”

“Of course.” Poko grinds his teeth and as his nostrils flare.

Hostile tension pours from him in waves. His fists clench at his sides, knuckles white as he gives us a tight smile.

I lace my fingers through Connak’s, staying tucked against him as we walk away. He squeezes me in a half hug, his hand wrapped around my waist, and he doesn’t let me go until we’re well beyond the palace. Then he releases his hold on my body, but not my hand.

His thumb teases the inside of my wrist. “You don’t like him?”

Whether he thinks it’s from this interaction or the guys have told him something, I don’t know.

Are they connecting the same dots I am?

“There’s just something about him that doesn’t feel right.” I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter, though. I’m so ready to get this day started.”

“Why are you so excited about unpacking bottles from crates? It’s the most mindless task in the entire village,” he gripes, shivering like he’s disgusted.

“It’s familiar.” I shrug. “And mindless work helps me think.”

“You’re thinking about me naked, aren’t you? Sorry to disappoint you, but Will would kill me if I started undressing in the cellar.”

I snort.

“Now you’re thinking about it. Make sure you do me justice. A body like this is hard work.”

“You’re so full of yourself, but yes. Naked Connak is bad for my health.”

“Naked me is good for your health, Ada. I can assure you of that. Ask the doc.”

His grin is infectious, especially when he’s being ridiculously… Him. I don’t know anyone else who can match my energy quite like Connak. I really shouldn’t be surprised that he picked up on my unease so quickly.

“Oh. Ecaeris told me you needed another shirt from me.” He side eyes me, amusement making his dark depths glimmer. “Did you lose the other one?”

“That smug asshole.”

“What did he do?”

I roll my eyes. “He ripped it, and I threw it at him. I liked that shirt.”

“Because it’s mine.”

“No. Yes.”

He chuckles. “No. He ripped it because it’s mine, Ada. We’ll get you another when we leave Will’s. But if he rips that one, you’ll just have to wear me.”

I gaze at the sky, thoughts of threesomes wreaking havoc on my psyche as I mumble, “I hope that’s a promise.”

I’d much rather fall asleep wrapped in Connak and Ecaeris instead of their shirts. A single night has ruined me.