staying here tonight with my wife.”
Jade
Wife.
This term is as foreign as the alien in front of me, yet Castien used it with such ease that I have to remind myself that we aren’t really married. Which is very strange considering I don’t know him and he just killed a bunch of people. Yes, they were evil, but the glimpses of darkness I witnessed in Castien’s gaze earlier were the stuff of nightmares.
At the check-in desk, I study him from my peripheral vision, taking in his long midnight hair that’s secured at the nape of his neck, left to trail down his back. He is tall, towering over me, and his height is only accentuated by his massive frame. I saw what his powerful body could do, and I’ve no illusions about the strength coursing through him, both physical and magical. His eyes are pitch black, but I could’ve sworn they flashed silver during the attack. It was that metallic streak that held dark promises, deadlier than his blade.
I yank my hand back and take a step away from him, my pulse erratic as I come to terms with how dangerous Castien truly is. It would be wise for me to keep my distance, although I can’t leave. He is the only person standing between me and the madam and a life of prostitution. So even though Castien frightens me, I have no choice but to stay with him.
He slowly turns his head and pins me with his gaze. The urge to bolt sweeps over me, but I hold firm and meet his stare with my hands fisted to keep them from shaking. His eyes narrow infinitesimally and flicker to the space between us, the only indication that my behavior has affected him. However, he graces me with a smile so enticing and sensual that I blink at the sudden change.
“Don’t you remember, my sweet love?” he asks, cupping my face. “This is the hotel Hazel recommended to us.”
I try not to stiffen at the contact, lest I give him another reason to be irritable with me. Although, I can’t stop the widening of my gaze at the mention of my friend. There is no way that’s a coincidence, and a million thoughts race through my mind as I try to deduce how he could possibly have gotten that information when the madam didn’t even know my name. I may not want to be in a room alone with him, but it seems as if that’s the best course of action, since I want my questions answered.
He sweeps his thumb across my cheek, bringing me out of my head. The caress is so tender I have to remind myself for the second time that we are not married. Something about this male has me lapsing into a fog of stupidity where the only thing I’m able to think of is him.
Did he zap me with his power? Is that why I’m acting dumb?
“I’ve been wanting to get you alone for quite some time,” Castien says. He drops his hand and whatever spell he’s cast on me is lifted. I wonder if he’s using his magic on me like he did the attackers earlier. After all the shit I’ve seen, magic is not a far-fetched concept.
Turning back to the receptionist with a smile, Castien says, “Our friend spoke highly of the healing pools. Are they still available at this late hour?”
The receptionist drags his eyes off me and nods at Castien. “Oh yes. They are located on the third floor. They are generally busy at this time, but there are private pools available at an extra cost. Would you like me to make a reservation for you?”
“Yes,” Castien says, giving me a wink. “My wife would enjoy that very much after the long day we’ve had.”
I know this facade is important to maintain or else I would request my own room. From the gleam in Castien’s eyes, I’m about to blow our cover out of self-preservation.
The horned alien nods and taps his computer screen. “I will reserve a private pool for you. In the meantime, your room has successfully been purchased for the duration of the night as well as the following evening. This is your key.” He slides a glass card over the counter, and Castien tucks it away into his pocket. “Please ensure you have vacated the room by six hundred hours in two days’ time.”
Castien gives him a curt nod. Then he holds out a hand, the emerald jewel