Alexia's nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protec...
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Twenty-Three
Healing
His words ushered forth so quietly, Alexia wondered if they'd penetrate Bellezza's corner. His glare clashed with the pain in his expression. She held still, searching his face for the reason behind the tenderness in his words.
His head shook. "This may well be the least intelligent thing you have ever done."
She frowned. How could he possibly know that unless he'd been watching her all along?
Shock swallowed her whole. Had he been watching? Could he have come to her at any time and the only stayed away because of Father? Was that a good thing? And why did that secret chamber in her heart creak open with hope at his very presence?
"Foolish," he muttered, focus turning to the bandage on her temple.
Her face burned with embarrassment. Silly, stupid infatuation. Who cared that he was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen or that part of her believed they shared a deeper connection. He was a murderer and a peeping tom!
Lester returned with a screw-cap jar and handed it to her blue-eyed tormentor. Daubing a bit of creamy white substance onto his fingers, he removed her bandage and touched the side of her head. Unholy flames burst into her temple and ate through the muscles—agony to match her emotional torment.
She jerked away. He grabbed her jaw, holding her in place. Her teeth grated. She threw an arm at him, crying out as hellfire coursed into her head. He caught her arm and laid it gently beside her. The inferno died, his fingers glazing softly down the side of her face. Tingles fired up from her toes.
His hand retracted.
She gasped, eyes opening. She wanted him to touch her again, to feel the pain, the flames, the ache of lightning through her bones!
He stood.
Why? Why did his contact do this to her?
She tenuously lifted her gaze. He stared back, his handsome face granite, his scar a jagged marble blemish.
"That is enough for today." His eyes snapped soundly away as he handed the bottle back to Lester. "Redress the wound. Keep her down."
