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“I did.”

“What kind of family?” Did he mean a wife and children? Or did he mean parents and siblings?

“I want to take you somewhere.”

“Where?” I asked. “How?”

“You said you liked white beaches. I know just the place.” He turned his head and looked at me again. “Can you spare a day or two?”

“I don’t have any plans tomorrow.”

“And if someone looks for you?”

“I doubt they will. But if they do, that could be a problem. Zehemoth won’t be able to feel my mind.”

He waited for me to make the decision.

“How does this work? Should I pack?”

“You don’t need anything.”

“And you will bring me back…right?”

His eyes hardened slightly in a hint of offense. “I’ve proven my dedication and loyalty to you. I’ve vowed never to take your life or your soul. I won’t justify your doubts with further reassurance.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“But you did, nonetheless.”

“Look, I’m not the kind of woman to blindly trust someone?—”

“It’s not blind. I warned you about the Barbarians, but you didn’t take my advice. Then I killed an entire ship of men to keep you alive. I’ve reminded you of all the qualities you possess but choose to ignore.” His dark eyes hardened to the steel of a blade, and he faced off with me like an opponent. “Do you trust me or not?”

“Trust is a strong word.”

He continued to stare me down.

“Why can’t we stay here?”

“We can. I just wanted to show you more. Forget I asked.” He rose off the couch, making me slip into the corner like snow falling off a mountain.

“Don’t go.”

“I’m not in the mood to stay.” His back was to me, and he walked toward the fire, the details of his spine and the muscles around it reminding me of a thick tree with its roots.

I left the couch and moved behind him. “Please.” My hand moved to this thick arm, an arm so big I couldn’t grip it with both hands. “I’ve been waiting for you all day.”

He inhaled a slow breath but didn’t turn to face me.

I pressed my forehead underneath his shoulder, feeling the searing heat right against my skin. My arms circled his and hugged it close, like that would have any power to keep him here with me.

But he didn’t disappear.

“Take me to these white shores.”

After a long stare at the fire, he turned around to face me. His eyes remained restrained in anger, but he reached down and grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly in his. And within the blink of an eye, we were somewhere else.

The hardwood floor was suddenly replaced by sand. I felt my feet dig in slightly once we were somewhere else. His grip steadied me so I wouldn’t slip farther.