“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I saw you over here, laughing with her.”
He pauses in his ministrations to give me an incredulous look. “I’m not permitted to laugh?”
“Not with her. I know your kind. I know what you’re up to.”
He stands, towering over me. His lips twist with thoughts he doesn’t share.
“She offered herself to you.”
“And I declined.”
“Why?”
“Because you forbade it.”
“No, that can’t be why.”
He snorts. “And why can’t it?”
Because it would mean Jarek’s not as horrible as I’ve made him out to be.
“Romeria?” Zander’s voice grabs my attention. It looks like he was halfway to my wagon when he saw me here.
“Please tell me, then, who am I permitted to approach?” Jarek asks with mock innocence. “Since you seem to be the one dictating.”
“You can feed off Pan.” Satisfaction swells inside me as I stroll toward Zander, Jarek’s gruff laughter following me most of the way.
“What was that about?” Zander’s gaze is unreadable.
“Nothing much. Told him to stay away from Eden and then wished him dead. I didn’t mean it, though.”
He grunts. “That is an improvement.”
“I guess?” I fight the urge to lean into Zander’s broad chest, to inhale his woodsy scent. All I want to do is pick up where we left off last night. “Did we make good time today?”
“Adequate, but we will not stay long. Just enough to rest the horses, and then we will continue. Do not be surprised if your wagon is moving before daybreak.”
Considering the bumpy road on the way here, I assume that won’t be a restful sleep.
Zander’s eyes wander over my face. “How was your time spent today?”
“Ianca slept the whole day, so Gesine and I talked.”
“And did you learn anything?”
I frown. “Actually, no. It was mainly me doing all the talking and Gesine asking a lot of questions.”
His lips purse in thought. “Abarrane has agreed to train you, but I would prefer you spend your time honing your affinities.”
Dealing with Abarrane this morning was enough for one day. I’d like to hone other skills. “Where are you sleeping tonight?”
A crooked smile curls his lips. “Why do you ask?”
“No reason.” On impulse, I step closer.
He doesn’t back away, his lengthy, slow sigh kissing my cheek. “Who says I will sleep tonight?” A devilish twinkle glints in his eye. A dare, almost.