“What did you want me to say? It’s the truth.”
“I know.” I close my eyes, sighing. “I’m sorry. It’s not your fault I have to wear this stupid dress.”
He steps closer, hesitantly resting his hand upon my shoulder. “Would it help if I stripped down to just my pants? It would be a bit more fair.”
“I’m not sure that would be a good idea,” I say, looking at him from over my shoulder.
“Why is that?” he asks, clearing his throat. I watch as his gaze dips to my mouth and then jerks back up to focus on my eyes. It’s hard not to notice how stunning he looks in his new uniform. It stretches tightly over his well-defined stomach and arms. His hair is still damp from his shower, his face cleanly shaven. I ache to touch his chin now that the stubble has been removed, but I resist.
“Because I think Alesta might enjoy it a bit too much.”
His brows dip in confusion. “Alesta…” He smirks as I crack a smile. He shakes his head, snorting. “Yeah. Wouldn’t want to get the help all hot and bothered. Good point.”
I turn around, lowering my arms. There is no sense in hiding from him. I step toward him and take hold of his hand, watching as his gaze flickers but remains fixed on my face. “Look at me,” I whisper.
“Illyria, I don’t think—” I pull him toward me, cutting him off.
“Please. It’s bad enough I have to worry about what everyone else is thinking. I don’t want to wonder about you too.”
Bastien’s gaze is guarded as he stares at me, giving me the chance to change my mind. “You’re sure?”
I nod and step back. Although the lights overhead are dimmed, I know there is plenty of light to see every detail of my body. As Bastien slowly lowers his gaze, I know there will be little hidden from his eyes.
His gaze flits over my body, not pausing long on any one area. He doesn’t ogle me or make me feel dirty. Instead, he makes me feel appreciated. Finally, he tugs on my hand, drawing me back to him. Lifting my chin, he smiles. “You are just as beautiful as I imagined you would be.”
A blush warms my cheeks and his smile broadens. “I think you might need to figure out how to use that lock, though.”
“Why?” I look toward his door, confused.
He leans down and whispers into my ear, “I have a tendency to sleepwalk.”
Walking beside Alesta through the great halls of the palace, I can’t help but wonder where everyone is. Surely we’re not the only ones who live in this massive building, yet the only people I see are guards standing watch over doors sporadically placed throughout the palace. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to where they’re located.
I’m painfully aware of Bastien walking behind me, three steps back as Alesta informed him is required. My stomach is balled with nerves. Will he stay with me while I’m on the tour with Aloysius? Will he be forced to endure silently alongside me?
I cast a glance back over my shoulder and he gives me a curt yet expressionless nod. A nod that any common stranger would offer.
There is a tension between us that we all sense. Me most of all. Alesta likes Bastien. It’s as obvious to me as the sun sinking below the distant tree line. What I find to be even more frustrating is the fact that Bastien noticed as well and did not turn away. Instead, he smiled back.
Bastien reaches out and touches my hand, and I motion for Alesta to lead the way. He draws up beside me, chin lifted high, eyes focused forward. “It’s not what you think,” he whispers, barely moving his lips.
“No, I get it.” I shrug. “She’s gorgeous. Why wouldn’t you check her out?”
A growl rumbles in his chest and I can see him fighting to conceal his frustrating. “When are you going to stop treating me like every other guy? I didn’t check you out when you stood before me in that… dress. Why would you think I would do that with her?”
“I saw you smirk.”
“Yeah.” He tugs on my arm and I slow my pace. Alesta frowns over her shoulder at us but moves on. “That’s because she reminded me of you. Of the way you used to look at me when we first met.”
“Oh.” I release a breath. “I see. Well, you don’t have to encourage her.”
Bastien places a hand upon my arm and increases our speed. To a normal outsider, this might look completely innocent, but I know it isn’t. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re jealous.”
“Of course I am,” I hiss.
“Well, I won’t hold it against you.” He releases my arms as we draw closer to Alesta. “It’s impossible with you looking so hot.”