Page 111 of Anatomy of the Immortal Species

Her heart skipped a beat. What had she been doing on the floor?

“I was on the floor… I, uh…” She stammered, struggling for a plausible excuse. “Sometimes I come to read in your library… But I heard footsteps. And you know, since the mummy disappeared, I’ve been a bit on edge…” She tried to smile, but her facial muscles felt frozen. “Never mind. And you? How was your time in prison?”

She frowned.How was your time in prison?What a question! Was it possible she’d lost her wits from just one kiss with him?

Mikhail raised an eyebrow. “The mummy, Amelia?”

Damn it.

She took a deep breath. “Right. About that… I think I need to tell you something…”

He clenched his jaw. “I’m all ears.”

***

Amelia sat on the edge of Mikhail’s bed, listening to the sound of the shower running. She couldn’t keep the corners of her lips from curling up. A single door separated her from Mikhail right now. And behind that door, he was naked.

She glanced at the ceiling, frustrated with herself. All this time, she’d hoped for Mikhail’s return for the sake of the Hospital. Notbecause she longed to continue what they had started.

Not because he was the single being in this world capable of soothing her fears and pains, without her even understanding why.

Andcertainly notbecause she needed him to find the ring.

Her smile vanished. What would she do about the ring? Less than an hour ago, she’d been ready to confess to Constantine and take her punishment. She’d been ready to face Mikhail’s contempt if he ever got out. But now that he was back… Could she carry through with her plan?

Mikhail emerged from the bathroom, interrupting her thoughts. Droplets of water covered his marked bare chest. A white towel hung low across his hips, teasing at what was hidden beneath, and highlighting the enticing V-shaped muscles of his abdomen. Despite the weight he’d lost, his body still was a work of art. His wet hair was slicked back, and his fresh-shaven face appeared even more striking than before.

Amelia’s mouth went dry. That period of transformation! She couldn’t remember ever experiencing such a strong desire towards a man. Then again, she couldn’t remember ever being around a man who possessed even a fraction of Mikhail’s allure.

“Looks like you missed me too, little beast,” he said.

Her cheeks flamed, but she held his green-brown irises with just a hint of gold.

He crossed the distance between them, scanning her from head to toe. She was wearing a fitted white blouse and black leggings, which showed off her figure well enough, but could hardly be considered sexy. Yet Mikhail’s eyes darkened in a way that left no doubt about his thoughts. “I wanted to hear how much damage you caused to the immortal world by rummaging around the temple, but I suppose that can wait.”

He pulled her towards him and Amelia tilted her head to meet his kiss. His fingers tugged the hem of her blouse.

Suddenly, his lips froze against hers.

“Is everything all right?” she asked.

“We’ll find out soon enough…”

There was a knock at the door. A persistent one. “Mikhail! Are you in there?”

Amelia recognised Nyavolski’s voice.

Helena’s followed. “Mikhail, we need to talk!”

“Shut up, woman! I get to go first—”

“We’re coming in!”

The two burst through the door. Helena’s gaze darted from the towel around Mikhail’s waist to Amelia’s flushed cheeks. “Are we interrupting something?”

“Yes,” Mikhail said.

“The guards said you’re back!” Nyavolski barged further into the room. He locked Mikhail in a hearty embrace, undeterred by his half-naked state. “I’m so happy you’re here, brother! You wouldn’t believe the mess my lovely wife made while you were gone.”