The Golden Kingdom Collection by Jenn Burke

Author:Jenn Burke
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jenn Burke

Chapter Two

Aidan’s first hours out of the hospital passed in a blur. Nothing seemed quite real, from the town car that picked him and Nassim up, to the drive through streets that felt familiar but had no attached memories to explain why, to the arrival at a monstrosity of a downtown apartment building that suited the dark, stoic personality of the dragon sitting beside him. The gothic exterior, complete with gargoyles, was probably meant to pay homage to the Parliament buildings a block or so to the north, but Aidan just found it creepy.

Not that Nassim was creepy. He was just… there, a quiet, brooding presence on the black leather seat beside him. Aidan was beginning to think that almost-frown was Nassim’s default expression. He’d yet to see Nassim smile or laugh, though he supposed the current circumstances weren’t all that conducive to joyful emotions.

Whatever its source, that ever-present frown was not an auspicious start to his cohabitation for the next however many days… weeks. Dr. Singh had been vague on how long he would require supervision, and he didn’t push her for a deadline. He didn’t need a countdown to being alone again ticking away in his head.

Past a pair of guards at a massive desk to a private elevator where Nassim swiped a key card, and up to the top floor. Of course Nassim lived in the penthouse. The elevator opened directly into his apartment, which Aidan knew wasn’t a usual thing. It meant Nassim’s apartment was the only one on that floor. It was exclusive and probably huge, and—Aidan couldn’t make his feet step out of the elevator.

Nassim turned to face him, looking far less tired than he had the previous day. He wore a brown suit with a lavender shirt that sported a bold floral tone-on-tone print, and standing in the midst of what Aidan could only call luxury—dark wood flooring, a west-facing wall consisting of nothing but floor-to-twenty-foot-tall-ceiling windows, and art on every solid wall Aidan could see—Nassim looked perfectly placed.

“You’re not a vampire, Aidan. You don’t need to be invited in.”

Aidan looked down at the sweatpants, T-shirt, and hoodie he wore. Even if he were dressed like Nassim, he couldn’t shake the sense that he would never belong in a place like this. “I—”

The elevator chimed in case its occupant needed a reminder that one did not stay in the elevator unless one were traveling from floor to floor. Giving a quick shake of his head, Nassim stepped toward Aidan and extended his hand. “You’re tired. Come with me, and I’ll show you to your room.”

Aidan hesitated long enough for the elevator to chime again, but he took Nassim’s hand and let Nassim draw him into the apartment. Nassim’s skin was hot, almost feverish, but then, he was a dragon. It was probably normal, and it felt good—calming. Some of his anxiety faded as he realized Nassim didn’t have to offer his hand. He did it to help Aidan.

He followed Nassim’s lead and kicked off his shoes near the entryway closet.

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