I stood, surprised when she automatically came to her feet. Ill show you to your room and you can shower if you want. I bit the inside of my cheek as her lashes swept down. Try this again. You will clean up and then rest.
Okay. She looked up, her eyes drifting over my face. I
What? I stepped forward.
Alex moved back behind the chair as if it were some kind of shield. She shook her head. I gave her a few moments to speak again, but shed gone mute. I wanted to reach out and touch
her, comfort her, but I had a feeling it would upset her.
I led her to the bedroom Id been staying in. A smaller room was linked with mine through a shared bathroom. Placing her in that room would enable me to keep an eye on her.
At least thats what I told myself as I showed her the shower and placed two towels and a robe on the bathroom sink. It had nothing to do with the fact I just wanted her close to me.
Yeah, I wasnt kidding anyone.
At first I thought I was going to have to undress her, and dear gods, there was no way I could do that and not, well, think and feel the things I would. Then she grabbed the hem of her sweater and started to lift. I had to force myself from the bathroom. Saint Delphi my ass.
Shutting the door behind me, I leaned against it and closed my eyes. The water turned on, and I pushed off, crossing the room and sitting down on the edge of the bed. Weariness seeped into my bones. Maybe I could sleep now, at least longer than a few hours.
A very small, minuscule amount of relief pinged through me. Alex was moving around, not trying to kill anyone, and no longer connected to Seth. Something to celebrate, right? No. What was walking around wasnt really Alex. She couldnt be that meek if she tried.
Fifteen minutes passed and the door slowly cracked open. A much cleaner Alex peeked out, clutching the robes collar, eyes downcast. She stepped into the bedroom, shifting from one foot to the next.
Im finished.
I stood, staring at hertransported back to the day Id brought her back to the Covenant and seen what lay beneath the grime and muckthe same maddening rush of feelings sucker-punched me.
Alex was beautifulflawlessto me.
Her lashes lifted. Our eyes locked, and a sweet flush crept across her cheeks. My gaze dipped to her parted lips and a very different kind of hunger stirred. Before I knew what I was doing, I crossed the room, hands outstretched, reaching for her.
Alex darted back, her knuckles bleaching white. Confusion shot across her face as she sucked her lower lip between her teeth. Anxiety rolled off her as she stared back at me.
I stopped short, pulling my hands back. What was I thinking? She was afraid of meafraid of her Master. I cursed.
She jumped, eyes widening.
Id never hated myself more. Clamping down on my emotions, I gave her space. Stay here. Ill find you some clothes.
Yes, Ma
Dont call me that. My tone was harsher than I intended and I worked to soften it. Call me Aiden. Okay?
Alex nodded.
Tearing myself away from her, I headed to the door and glanced over my shoulder. My brows furrowed. She stood in the same spot, hands clenching the robe and eyes on the floor as if it was some sort of beacon. What the hell was she doing?
Then it struck me. Id told her to stay . And she was staying. Alex
My name is Alexandria.
Okay. I sighed, approaching her carefully. When I was sure she knew I was beside her, I cupped her elbow. You dont have to stand here. You can do whatever you want, AlexAlexandria. Sleep. Or watch TV. I nodded at the flat screen in the corner as I led her to the bed. You can do as you wish. Okay?
Sitting down, Alex nodded and watched me. Youre coming back,
right?
Of course, I assured her. She kept glancing around the room, growing more and more agitated. I wont be gone long at all. I promise. Alex nodded again. Okay, Ma She flinched. Okay, Aiden.
It didnt take me long to find clothes for her. All of her things were still in the room next to mine. Marcus had already checked in, then disappeared back downstairs, and now Deacon hovered by the door.
Gathering up Alexs clothes, I faced my brother. Whats up?
He leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms. Howd it go?
She fought it, as expected, but it worked. I sat on the arm of a chair, yawning. Shes shes not like she was.
As in shes not Evil Alex?
I shook my head. Shes just notits only temporary.
Deacon pressed his lips together. That bad, huh?
I didnt say it was bad.
He arched a brow. I know you, Aiden. Your disappointmentin yourself, not Alexis written all over you. Its practically dripping from your grubby face.
My brows rose. Im grubby?
Youre kind of gross. Might want to think about shaving, too, unless youre going for the homeless look with no chance of getting laid.
I laughed and stood. Ill keep that in mind.
A genuine smile, one that was so rare on my brother, parted his lips, though it quickly faded. Shes going to be okay, right? I mean, someone will find a way to break the connection and shell