Page 51 of Beautiful Prey

When I glance back, he has slumped farther down the wall. His eyes are still on me, but they’ve gone glassy.

“What’s your name?”

I don’t expect him to answer, but a weak, wicked smile pulls at his mouth. “Asher Clement the third.”

“Wow. That sounds...”

“Posh?” His eyes drift half shut. “Because it is. It’s so posh that I don’t even get to choose my own future.”

“What do you mean?”

He ignores the question. “Who’s waiting for you?”

So that’s how we’re doing this.

“I just need to get home.”

Not an answer to his question, either, and we both know it.

The words come before I can stop them. Not the lie. The other one.

I think of Calder. Of Onyx waiting for me. Of the little room we call home and how tired I am of leaving him there while I try to fix things that never seem to hold. The rest presses against my teeth. Swallowing it back down, I say, “That’s all there is to tell. What did you mean about not choosing your future?”

Something shifts on his face. “There’s an announcement in three weeks. Apparently, it’s my engagement.”

I stare at him.

“Political alliances are efficient.” He lets out a humorless laugh. “Nobody bothered to ask whether I wanted him.”

Him.

“Can’t you refuse?”

“You don’t refuse my father.” He shifts against the roots and winces, one hand going to his side. “You smile for the holo screens and do what you’re told.”

Another tremor runs through him. By the time I realize what I’m doing, I’ve already reached for his cloak and pulled the damp edge farther over his shoulders.

He watches my hands. “Taking care of me again?”