Page 129 of Condemned By Pain
Disappointment flickers across his face. He nods slowly.
“You could have said that earlier.”
I stare at my hands in my lap. “It’s a secret.” I lift my gaze. “My parents know I like someone, but they don’t know how much. They want me to forget him, but I can’t. I can’t even imagine another man.”
He smiles faintly. “He’s a lucky man. I would have preferred this alliance, but for that reason, I won’t push.”
I smile, relieved. “Thank you, Prince Aziel.”
“I under—” He cuts himself off as the garden lights explodes, one after another.
We’re both on our feet in an instant. The sound of rushed footsteps fills the space as bodyguards flood in, their flashlights cutting through the dark.
Travis reaches me first. “Miss, please come with me.”
I hurry with him, matching his pace. Other bodyguards close in around us. Avi’s team does the same, and we’re both hurried inside.
The bodyguards don’t leave our sides until we reach our rooms. In this mansion, our rooms are close. I follow Avi into hers.
“What was that?” I ask.
“Sounded like gunshots.”
“But who would shoot out the garden lights?”
Her door opens before she can answer. Zo steps inside, jaw tight. He looks like a man carrying a storm inside him—barely visible on his face, but unmistakably felt in the air around him.
“I think you have some answers to give. See you tomorrow.” I bite back a grin and walk toward the door.
“Did you—” Avi starts, but her words cut off in a gasp. I turn to find Zo kissing her, fierce and possessive.
Butterflies dance in my belly at the sight. Still grinning, I step out quietly and pull the door closed behind me.
How adorable Zo looks when he’s jealous.
My smile fades into longing.Would he have looked this wrecked if he’d seen me with someone my parents want me to marry?
Chapter 37
Elowen
I open my door and step inside.
“What did he say that made you smile so much?” A low growl echoes through the room.
My back hits the door.
He’s sitting on my bed, his eyes fixed on me—dark with rage, with barely leashed violence. His hands are clasped tightly together, elbows resting on his knees. The muscles in his neck and shoulders are corded with tension. One glance tells me everything I need to know:he’s seething.
“Answer me, Princess.” His voice is as cold as a frozen ocean.
I lock the door behind me and move slowly toward him.
“He wants to marry me.”
His nostrils flare. His mouth twitches. His jaw tightens. The frown carves deeper into his face.
I reach him and step between his parted legs.
