The moisture in his mouth dried as he narrowed his study of her, taking in smaller details. Despite her disheveled state, she was pretty in a subtle, understated way. Her eyes were large and brown...and haunted. There were secrets inside her. Dark secrets. Her nose was small and rounded cutely at the end. Her upper lip was plumper than her bottom lip, and shaped into a heart.
Her hands were scabbed over and streaked with dirt. There was a bruise on the side of her neckand it wasnt a hickey. It was too long, too thin, and extended under the fabric of her gown.
She stood utterly still, quiet, allowing him to scrutinize her at his leisure. Her gaze remained averted, glued to the side of the wall. It had taken a warriors courage to come, and yet she couldnt face him head-on while he looked his fill?
Touch her, he thought again.
Who are you? Torin asked more gently. Please. I have to know.
I told you. I wont offer my name.
Why? What reason could she have to deny him? Will you tell me why youre whispering? he askedin a whisper.
Bright red spots grew on her cheeks. This is my voice. I cant talk with any other or any louder.
Why? And how many more times would he be forced to ask that question?
May I...sit? she asked.
His eyes roved over the bedroom so few people had ever entered. His dirty clothes were on the floor. His bed was unmade. Empty beer bottles littered the nightstand and desk.
He hopped to his feet and raced around the spacious enclosure, gathering clothes, tossing out bottles. He also made the bed.
Yes, he said. Sit. Are you hungry? Thirsty?
Hesitant, she eased onto the floor instead of any of the chairs or the bed. I... Yes, she replied. Please.
He couldnt bring himself to leave her, so, he did something hed never done before. He withdrew his cell and phoned Reyes, the keeper of Pain, saying, Bring me a couple of sandwiches. And chips. And brownies. And sodas. And anything else we have. All right?
Im glad you called, the warrior said. Danika has
And hurry. He hung up before Reyes could reply.
You have servants? the girl asked, finally meeting his gaze.
His hands began to sweat. Ugh. He couldnt touch her with sweaty hands. I have friends. He motioned to the bed, his arm trembling. Wouldnt you rather sit somewhere more comfortable?
Heres fine. Im so dirty. And I know I must smell, and
Honey, youre good just the way you are.
She peered down at her hands, once again wringing the fabric of her gown. You are Disease, Im told.
Im not Disease. I just host him. And he wanted the demon out. So much so, hed even spent a little time with the angels. Or rather, the Sent Ones led by the cold-as-ice Zacharel. Hed learned that demons could enter a body, create a stronghold and produce a terrible toxin that destroyed the possessor from the inside out. Fear strengthened the toxinand thereby the demonand joy weakened it.
But hed had no reason to entertain joy. Until now.
Why are you in this condition? he asked gently.
Id...rather not discuss that, either.
So many secrets. How did Cronus get you to agree to this?
Id rather not
Never mind. I get it. No personal information was to be shared. He didnt like it, but he wasnt going to push. She could flash away, and he would be unable to chase her down. You know my name, and you know about the demon, but do you know anything else about me?
She thought for a moment, shook her head.
Well, I hope youve figured out by now that Im not going to hurt you. Despite his threats.
A knock sounded at the door.
Thats the food. Torin rushed to open up and came face-to-face with a scowling Reyes. The warrior was tall and dark and intense, and holding a sack of goodies in one hand and a small painting in the other. Thanks, man. I owe you. Just leave everything on the floor.
Whats going on? Reyes demanded. Youve never He was in the process of straightening, his gaze sweeping through the room out of habit. A warrior knew to check his surroundings. He spotted the girl and did a double take. You have a female in here?
The muscles in his jaw tightened. Its not what you think.
Brown eyes found him and pleaded. Torin, man. Cameo and Viola are missing. We dont need a plague on our hands, too.
I havent touched her, but even if I had, you wouldnt need to worry. Shes immune.
Good, thats good, but she could still become a carrier, right? Let me escort her out of the fortress before any damage is done. Shes
Fine. Shes fine. Could she become a carrier? Cronus hadnt said.
Shes at risk right
Just trust me, okay? Torin bent down, grabbed the bags.
Wait. Reyes thrust the painting at him, forcing him to take it.
He did. Reluctantly. He didnt want to know the future. He didnt want to know if only doom awaited him.
Reyes rubbed two fingers across his stubbled chin, and said, Danika painted the canvas last night, and I thought youd find the finished product interesting. Youll want to take a look. Trust me. The warrior turned on his booted heel and stomped away. No doubt to inform the rest of the gang what was going on.
Gossips!
Torin shouldered the door closed and faced the girl. Her gaze was latched on the bags.
How long since shed eaten?
He set the painting down and turned it around, facing the colored side toward the wall. One day, hed look. But not today. Hed been waiting for this day forever it seemed.
He moved forward, crouched in front of the girl, and set a feast before her. She didnt react immediately, was too busy taking everything in. Go ahead, he said. Its yours. Whatever you want.
She reached out with a trembling hand and took one of the sandwiches. Her eyes closed as she bit into the bread, and she chewed slowly, as if relishing the flavors. Then, driven by a need she couldnt control, she tore into the food with abandon.
Slow down, he said. I dont want you to get sick.
She acted as if she hadnt heard him, devouring every crumb, draining every drop of soda. He could only watch, fascinated. And spectacularly angry. Clearly, she had been starved.
Where are you staying? he asked. What he really wanted to know: Who was responsible for this?
I dont want to talk about it.
At least tell me youre over the age of eighteen. She looked so young.
Im...not, Im sorry. Im seventeen.
Disappointment hit him, and hit him hard.
She flattened her hand over her middle, those ocean blue eyes going wide. A moan of pain escaped her.
He arched a brow. Too much too fast?
She leaped to her feet, gasping out, Help.
Bathroom is to the left.
She raced into the small enclosure, and Torin stayed right on her heels. When she hunched over the toilet, he did something hed never before done, even though, like now, he always wore gloves. He grabbed her hair and held it back. And just in time as she heaved the contents of her stomach.
When she finished, he released her and stepped back. Why dont you take a shower? Everything you need is in this room, even a change of clothes. He kept a few shirts and sweatpants in here. He kept shirts and sweatpants everywhere, actually, always wanting to be covered, never wanting to risk exposing his skin to anothers touch.
A female had never worn his clothing before, and he kind of liked the idea.
But shes only seventeen, and you arent a cradle robber.
Stupid Cronus, finding him a girl too young to touch.
At least, for now.
She remained slumped on the floor and wouldnt look up at him.
Youll feel better, and then you can try eating again.
All right.
Do you need my help?
No. No, she reiterated.
Thank the Most High. He wasnt sure how he would have reacted. When youre done, well talk, all right? He shut the door, sealing her inside.
Several minutes passed before he heard the water switch on. While she showered, he paced, waiting. Thinking. Twenty-four hours, shed said. Thats how long he had with her. That wasnt long enough.
He wanted to ask when she would turn eighteen. He wanted to drop to his knees and pray it happened during their time together.
Creepy much?
Surely she would not become a carrier of his disease. Cronus wouldnt have sent him a carrier. The moment she was an adult, Torin could allow himself to touch her. It didnt have to be sexual, either. They could hold hands.
To experience the warmth of anothers skin, the softness, the sense of connection, the tactile knowledge that he wasnt alone...
He moaned at the heady thought.
A long while later, she emerged, a cloud of steam following her. Wet, her hair was dark, almost brown. Shed brushed it, but the strands had decided to curl. With the dirt scrubbed off her face, he could see the purity of her skin. Pale, like porcelain, with a slight tracery of veins. Flawless.
She wore his clothing, the material so loose it bagged on her.
Thank you, she said in that whispery voice.
Youre welcome.
He watched as she shifted uncomfortably, still not looking at him.
I know I get twenty-four hours with you, he said, but Id rather not take them consecutively. Id rather spread them out. One hour a day, for twenty-four days. Would you be okay with that? He could use the time to earn her trust, to get her talking and relaxed. Happy to see him. And maybe, if his luck was holding, she would want to keep seeing him.
Surprised baby blues landed on him. But I thought...
What?
Never mind. She bit her bottom lip, nodded. Conditions allow for it, so, yes, I would prefer to come an hour a day for twenty-four days.
His knees almost buckled. Thank you.
She nodded, saying, Until tomorrow. In a blink, she was gone.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
JOSEPHINA HURRIEDLY STUFFED her meager possessions in a bag. A wad of cash shed saved. A change of clothing. Her mothers locketone she never wore, too afraid someone would rip it from her neck.
Kane hadnt left. His wedding was today, and she wasnt going to stick around to watch. Maybe hed go through with it. Maybe he wouldnt. She had a feeling she would wonder for the rest of her lifeand cry.
As she tied the bag closed, her stomach clenched. Tears beaded in her eyes, and she sniffed with frustration. Stupid tears! They came so often now. Ever since shed met Kane.
I shouldnt have kissed him that last time.
But shed lost herself in the pleasure and the riotous sensations and the heat and the pressure and the need...everything. The past had fallen away. The desire to die, muted as it had become, had breathed its last. Kane had become her world, and she hadnt wanted to ever be found.
And hed wanted to stay with her, too. But...yeah. But: the word that had ruined everything. Shed had a choice. Be with him, risking the wrath of the king, or be without him, protecting him.
Protecting him had seemed more important than her desirebut only by the slightest degree.
One day, Kane might even thank her. Heck, he was already happy without her. Hed left the ball with Synda and though Josephina had looked for him, she hadnt seen him since. She had no idea what had happened between the pair, but rumors were rampant. Kane had spent the night in her bedroom.
One of the tears spilled over, and she wiped it away with the back of her hand.
Whatever. Alone in the servants wing, Josephina tiptoed down the hall and peeked out the window overlooking the driveway. A line of carriages stretched down the road; each contained an Opulen probably bursting with eagerness to reach the royal gate. The wedding was set to begin any minute.
There was no better time for escape. The servants were busy below. The king and queen were distracted. The guards had to watch the grounds to make sure the Phoenix stayed away.
Seriously? a voice said from behind her. Youre actually running from me?
She spun around and came face-to-face with a very angry Kane. He wasnt wearing wedding finery. In fact, he looked...slovenly. He wore a wrinkled T-shirt that read Honey Badger Dont Care, whatever that meant, and his pants were ripped in several places. His eyes were bloodshot, and thick lines of tension branched from his mouth.
Why arent you in the human realm, or better yet, downstairs preparing for your nuptials? she demanded, hating him, hating herself.
Youre that eager to marry me off?
She raised her chin, refusing to reveal the turmoil inside her. You bedded the princess, didnt you? I think youve got enough eagerness for the both of us.
His features softened, making him appear boyish and hopeful and so lovely her chest hurt. Do I detect a note of jealousy, Tink?
You certainly dont! I dont care what you do or what skank you do it with.
A lie. She hated lies. What was wrong with her? Since meeting him, shed become more than a crybaby. Shed become a shrew.
The softness vanished in a blink, and his eyes narrowed. All right. Yeah. I slept with her. I also slept with a boatload of women before I even reached Séduire. But you know what? Synda was the best Ive ever had.
It was like a punch to the gut, a blow so low she wasnt sure she would ever recover. Humiliation burned in her cheeks, and maybe it was fused with disappointment and fury. How could he! How could he go from Josephinas kisses to Syndas bed, and then brag about it?
The fury suddenly overshadowed every other emotion.
Congratulations, she said as drily as she was able. Youre officially like every other man in this realm. She had saved his life, and he had saved hers. Circumstances hadnt allowed them to be lovers, but they could have been friends. Shed always wanted to be his friend. Yet hed just ruined any hope for such an outcome. I wish youd stayed away from me. I wish Id never met you.
His features didnt change, not this time, but his voice went low and quiet, dripping with disdain. Too bad. I didnt, and you did, and you have no one but yourself to blame. You should have left me in hell.
Oh, dont worry. Im about to do just that. She tried to step around him.
He moved with her, blocking her. Youre not going anywhere. Synda got into trouble last night and shes earned another punishment.
Josephina froze. What did she do?
Does it matter?
It had to do with him, didnt it?
Youre to be whipped.
No, no, no. That would mean the king was searching for Josephina. She knew him. Knew he would actually postpone the wedding ceremony to find her, wanting the situation dealt with before placing Syndaand thereby Josephinainto another mans care. And if he discovered shed planned an escape... How could Kane be so cavalier about it? Shaking her head, she backed away from him. How could you do this to me?
I didnt want any of this to happen, Tink.
Dont call me that! You dont get to call me by a cutesy nickname when you just ruined my only chance for freedom.
You want freedom? His volume increased with every word. Well, then, Ill get your freedom. Right now. Then, Ill be leaving the realm, and so will you. But dont worry. I wont be with you, so you wont have to fear my inability to protect you. He extended his arm, intending to grab her.
She jolted out of reach. I believe you can protect me, idiot, I just dont want you hurt doing it. And if you do this, youll be hurt. Theyll hunt you. Forever.
The sharpest edge of his intensity dulled. Being hunted was something you were willing to risk, obviously. Do me a favor and allow me the same choice.
She...had no response to that.
Ive thought about this, and thought about this, and Ive nearly given myself a brain aneurism from thinking some more, and this morning I finally picked a plan and decided to stick with it. Youre not going to like it, but honestly? I dont really care. I dont like you within these walls, and I cant deal with the demon any longer. I have to get out of here, and I have to kill him or Im going to start hurting people, maybe even you. Again.
He was rambling, without giving her any useful information. You cant just
I can. He lunged for her, latching onto her before she could get away, and draping her over his shoulder. A favorite position of his. At the moment of contact, breath exploded from her lungs. She kicked and hit at him, but he sped into motion without missing a beat. Every woman I come across throws herself at me, but not you. You keep fighting me.
Ill never stop!
Thats probably wise. He took her through secret passages he shouldnt have known about, up several flights of stairs, and into the daylight. Why are you still wearing gloves? You know you can control your ability now.
Because my hands are ugly. People had begun staring.
Listen to me. Believe me. Theyre not.
She caught the scent of freshly cut grass and flowers, and the sound of murmuring voices...voices tapering to a quiet. Shock bombarded her, and she stilled. He wasnt sneaking out. He was walking through the crowd of wedding guests. How could he...the courage such an act required...the utter stupidity!
I told you Id marry your daughter, and I will, Kane called to the king. Thats not going to change. But I want this one.
What! Marry...Josephina? Despite their discord? No, that couldnt be right.
Theres two ways this can go down. Youll either gain a connection to my family by giving Josephina to mein marriageor Ill kill you here and now. Pick.
Yes. Her. But...but...
I wont let him. Ill put a stop to it.
No, Leopold, standing behind the sputtering king, snarled. You cant
Go with option two, a male said with a laugh, interrupting him. Ill finally get to put my pimp hand to good use.
She turned her head and watched as William, Red, Black, White and Green stepped into the gazebo where the royal family awaited the bride and groom. All five warriors were armed for war. Swords peeked over their shoulders. Guns were sheathed at their waists. And there were more men behind them! Men she recognized from the picture books the scribes had commissioned.
Oh, sweet lightning. The Lords of the Underworld were here. The frightful males were loaded with even more weapons than William and his crew. There was the scarred Lucien, the dark Reyes, the scary Sabin and the irreverent Strider.
Her heart sped into a faster rhythm. Hi, she called, and waved at Lucien. I cant believe this is happening. Ive dreamed of this day all my life.
His scarred features were pale, and there were bruises under his eyes. He looked as if hed been without sleep for several centuries. Your wedding? he asked her.
No, Im not getting married. Ive been waiting to meet you, she said, her voice fluttering.
All right, calm yourself, Kane muttered. And yes, youre getting married.
Kane
He continued. I didnt want help, but I realized I needed it. There was no other way. But dont you ever trust the Rainbow Rejects. Theyre only aiding me now so theyll have an easier shot at you later.
William, my darkling, the queen gasped out. What are you doing? Youre to be my protector.
The king roared, Darkling? Youre calling another male by my pet name?
Shut it, both of you, William snapped, all humor gone. Weve heard enough out of you.
The queens mouth floundered open and closed, but she never made another sound.
Leopold stepped forward, but Red reached out and grabbed him by the neck, jerking him backward. In the next blink, a blade was poised at the princes hammering pulse and he was gurgling in pain, a bead of blood leaking to the fluffy collar of his dress shirt. He tried to speak, but the weapon prevented any sound from forming.
But what about me? Synda called, racing up behind Kane, her wedding dress not quite fastened. She had to hold up the beautiful Fae lace with her hands. And her veil was askew, about to fall out of her pale curls.
Shut it, woman, Kane snapped, mimicking William. If I have to listen to one more bit of cruel, inane chatter from you, Ill remove your tongue. I swear I will.
Synda stopped, just stopped. No one had ever rejected her beforewell, not for long. Bewilderment and hurt danced in her eyes, and Josephina almost felt sorry for her. Almost. She was too busy reeling. Kane had just put the girl in her place.
Red bloomed in the princesss eyes as she marched through the sea of guests, throwing people out of their chairs.
The king blustered, saying, This isnt the way of things, Lord Kane. We should
Pick, Kane shouted. I didnt ask for commentary.
Silence rolled through the masses, every gaze on Tiberius. The king switched his attention between Kane and his friends.
Very well, he finally gritted.
Good choice. Kane placed Josephina on her feet and glared down at her.
Should I curtsy to your friends? she asked to hide her nervousness. I feel like I should curtsy.
He leaned in until they were nose-to-nose. Youll accept this. Whatever you feel about me, whatever you believe about me, this is the best choice for you right now.
A wave of dizziness struck her. I cant let you do this. She needed to tell him something else, but...what? She couldnt recall.
Unlike your father, Im not giving you a choice. He turned to the male officiating the ceremony. What are you waiting for? Begin.
The priest obeyed him, but she didnt hear a word he said. Her thoughts were too loud. Surely she couldnt marry the very warrior that had slept with her half sister only last night. Surely she couldnt allow him to welcome a lifelong war. Surely she wouldnt bind her life to his, giving herself to him, while wearing a maids uniform, looking her worst.
Even if he was the most incredible man shed ever met...even if every inch of her body screamed, yes!
But would he ever be faithful?
Did he even want her or was he just trying to protect her, as he felt he owed her?
Her gaze strayed to Kanes friends. What had they thought of her at first glance? Shed been slung over Kanes shoulder so...probably not much.
Im really quite wonderful, she muttered.
I know. Youve told me, Kane said. Now answer the priest.
I will, just as soon as you tell me what he asked me.
The same murderous red shed just seen in Syndas eyes pulsed from Kanes. Just say yes, he snapped.
A beam in the canopy above them snapped and fell, and Kane had to drag her out of harms way.
Say it, he commanded.
I will if the question was, does Kane annoy you? Because yes, he does, she said, attention returning to the other lords.
Tell me the answer to that question again, Kane demanded, but he didnt sound offended.
Yes, she threw at him.
He nodded, satisfied.
Lucien winked at her and she couldnt help but offer him as big of a smile as she could manage at the moment. Reyes nodded in acknowledgment. Strider gave her a thumbs-up. Sabin continued to glare. She wanted Kanes friends to like hereven though she didnt currently like Kane.
This is a mistake, she whispered. Yes! Those were the words shed wanted to give him. We shouldnt do this. Lets stop before its too late.
He squeezed her hand so tightly she whimpered, but even then, he didnt loosen his grip. He slid a ring on her finger, the metal heavy, with a huge stone glittering in the center. A stone she didnt recognize. The color hovered somewhere between ruby-red and sapphire-blue.
Its already too late. Dont ever take this off, understand? Kane said.
Too late? They were...they were...no way.
Still. Eyes wide, she nodded.
Oh, and heres the big guys ring, William said, handing her a plain, over-warm band that was vibrating.
Trembling, she slid the thing onto Kanes finger, and finally he released her.
Its done, he said, and there was a wealth of satisfaction in his voice.
Josephina could only nod, dazed.
A scream nearly split the daylight. Youre not taking her away from me!
Not Synda. But...the Phoenix?
Definitely. The entire back end of the garden burst into flames.
Kane threw Josephina over his shoulder.
Not again, she gritted out.
Lucien held out his arms. Ill take her now. And Ill take good care of her, you have my word.
Change of plan, Kane said. Shes going with me. At least for now. Get the others to safety. And thanks for coming, my man. He took off in a dead run. Smoke wafted to her nose, making her cough. Shouts of fear erupted through the crowd.
How do you propose to leave the realm? she asked, trying not to panic. Only a select group of Fae possessed a key between the human realm and this one. Kane wasnt select, nor was he Fae. She had planned to steal Leopolds for her own escape, but that was now an impossibility.
Like this. Kane withdrew a flesh-colored glove from his pocketa key. Before you ask, I stole it. And no, Im not ashamed and I wont return it.
I dont want to chastise you, you silly man. I want to pat you on the back. Now, do you know how to use it?
Yeah. He quickened his pace.
She expected some of the guards to chase him, no matter what her father had said, and she expected guests to try and pass him, desperate to get away from the fires, but he was moving too fast for anyone to catch. Within seconds, he was at the front gate and he wasnt even winded.
He fit the glove over his hand and waved from high to low, side to side, in the shape of a door. A sheet of the landscape fell away from every place he touched, leaving a black hole.
Think about where you want to go, and step through, she hurried to explain, even though hed claimed to know what to do.
He stalked into the darkness, and then, suddenly, they were out of the realm of the Fae and in the realm of the humans. Tall buildings knifed on both of her sides. Harried people strode along narrow sidewalks. The scent of coffee and car exhaust and even urine filled her nose.
Close the door, she said, and he obeyed, once again waving his hand through the air.
He set her on her feet, took her by the wrist, and tugged her forward. Lets go. The door might be closed, but I want you as far away from it as possible.
Where are we?
New York. I want you masked by the crowd.
Should have guessed, she thought. Shed been here before, and there was no place like it.
What about your friends? she asked.
Theyll be fine.
You were going to leave me in their keeping?
For a while, yes.
A while. How long was a while? Probably better not to know.
They walked for hours, and the more they walked, the busier the streets and sidewalks became. Any other time, the crowd would have bothered her, but just then her mind was too busy reeling. She was out of the Fae realm. She was with Kane. Maybe even married to himhad they truly finished the ceremony? Theyd never kissed.
Didnt matter, she supposed. For a little while, she would be safe from her family. She wouldnt have to worry about being punished. She wouldnt have to worry about the king hunting her down for a few days, at the very least. He would need time to plan a strategy against a man like Kane.
For the first time in her life, she was free.
Joy burst through her, and with the joy came an unquenchable desire to truly live. To do all the things shed never dreamed possible. To fall in love, get married andwait. She was already married. Maybe. She would have to talk to Kane about that. He probably hadnt meant his vows. If hed spoken any vows, that is. She could have slapped herself for not paying attention. For all she knew, shed pledged to be his slave.