Of Thieves and Shadows (Twisted Pages Book 4) by Elle Madison & Robin D. Mahle

Author:Elle Madison & Robin D. Mahle [Madison, Elle & Mahle, Robin D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Whiskey and Willow Publishing
Published: 2022-09-22T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

AIKA

The air from the balcony is cold enough to send shivers through my body, but it’s still preferable to continuing my conversation with Remy.

Here’s to hoping he’s actually considering what I said instead of trying to soothe his conscience about sleeping with me last night. I don’t know how else to explain to him that he doesn’t get to take the pieces of me he wants and treat the rest like it’s too hideous to look at.

Little no-name monkey finishes his business before scurrying back inside and climbing up to rest on my shoulder. Another shiver runs over me as he shakes off small flecks of frozen water from his fur, coating me instead.

“Thanks ever so much,” I mutter under my breath before toweling him off.

He only smiles in response and wraps his little fingers around mine. From the corner of my eye, I register Remy leaving the bed to ring for the servants. His eyes dart over to examine me, but I ignore him.

Instead, I take my spot at the small breakfast table, snacking on some of the leftover hard cheese and fruit on the charcuterie board from last night. Monkey practically drools over the remaining dried pumpkin, stretching out a hesitant hand before I stop him.

Between the scones and the fruit itself, he clearly has a taste preference. I hold out a piece for him, twisting it in my fingers, and he follows the movement with rapt attention.

I stress the word pumpkin a few times before handing it to him—focusing on the way he excitedly nibbles away instead of the awkwardness permeating the room.

I hate the tension, but not enough to regret what happened last night. It was an outlet I desperately needed, and I’m not sure what I would have resorted to without his presence to anchor me.

A thought occurs to me, and I break the silence between us.

“I’m on a contraceptive,” I blurt out, finally meeting his attentive gaze. “In case you thought—”

“I didn’t,” he cuts me off, his expression sincere.

Nodding, I face the grazing board in front of me again, handing Monkey another piece of pumpkin.

The faith he still has in me is equal parts frustrating and gratifying. Of course, I had given him the fertility tonic and told him Madame’s plans. But then again, I had come straight from her last night before taking him to bed. For all he could have known, she’d ordered that very thing.

Yet he still expects me to be better than I really am.

It’s idiotic, really. And not at all endearing.

“There are some things I need to discuss with my father this evening,” Remy announces, apropos of nothing. “I thought we would join them for dinner with the court, if you’re up for it.”

“Of course.” My words are carefully neutral.

I didn’t mean for last night to change anything between us, but something has definitely shifted. Remy has lowered his guard, somewhat.

Though maybe that’s more because he managed to guess at the decision that hadn’t quite been cemented in my mind.

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