Page 42 of Chasing Eternity (Stealing Infinity #3)

Killian stands before me, a study in casual elegance. Wearing a white linen toga that drapes over one muscular, suntanned shoulder, it leaves little to the imagination about what might—or might not—lie underneath. His golden hair is artfully tousled, and his vivid blue eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that’s impossible to ignore.

Yet, despite his undeniable allure, his presence fails to stir the reaction he likely expects.

“Yeah, no thanks,” I say, my attention drifting across the room to where Braxton continues his dance with Elodie. His hand poised carefully at her waist, he appears to listen intently to her every word—a sharp contrast to the disinterest I feel standing before Killian.

“What’s good for the gander,” Killian says, his gaze trailing mine. “Come on, Shiv. For old time’s sake. How about you and I trip the light fantastic together?”

I shake my head, signaling a clear and decisive end to the conversation. As I leave the dance floor, I’m halfway to the bar when he says, “Shiv, please.”

I spin around, irritation bubbling to the surface in a way that’s impossible to miss.

“Just a moment of your time,” he says. “Then you’re free to go. I promise.”

Reluctantly, I give him a nod, my hesitation made clear in every line of my body. Yet Killian’s grin widens, evidently content to accept whatever concession I’m willing to make.

“Why do I have this nagging suspicion,” he says, getting right to the point, “that despite my attempts to warn you, you’re concocting some sort of scheme you should absolutely steer clear of?”

Determined to keep my emotions masked, I lift my shoulders in a casual shrug. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say.

Killian regards me for a long, sobering beat, and I’m on the verge of leaving, when he finally speaks. “For the record, I’ve known who—and what—you are, long before those golden rings ever appeared on your arm.”

I shrug once more. “I’m well aware,” I say.

“Then you may also recall that Arthur once charged me with the task of eliminating people like you.”

“Kind of hard to forget,” I snap. Yet, as my gaze meets his, there’s a complexity in his eyes I hadn’t noticed before.

“The reason I warned you,” he says, “is because I hoped I’d never have to make a choice like that again.”

“What is it you’re saying, Killian? Because it’s starting to sound a lot like a threat.”

Raising his hands before him in a gesture of peace, he speaks in a voice so muted, I have to strain to hear it. “I guess what I’m saying is that I do love you, Shiv. And though I know it’s too late for us, that I royally fucked my chances of you ever returning my feelings, I want you to know that I’m resigned to that fate. From here on out, I will seek my pleasures elsewhere, in the hope that, one day, my feelings for you will diminish.”

I meet his confession with a steady gaze, my expression steadfastly neutral, betraying none of the inner turmoil brewing inside me.

“And so,” he continues, “I will promise to honor your wishes and stop chasing after you, if—”

“If I do something for you in return,” I cut in. “Am I right?”

He casts a quick glance around the room before returning to me. “Just… I want you to know that what I said earlier today, it wasn’t a joke. So Shiv, please, I’m imploring you, don’t force me to choose.”

“Choose what?” I say, my voice, like my gaze, sharp as a blade. “Between your loyalty to Arthur and this alleged love you have for me?”

Killian nods, his unwavering gaze fixed onto mine.

“Well then,” I say, the words cutting through the tension like a knife. “It seems you’ve already made your choice.” I turn away, leaving him with a final, “Good night, Killian. And good luck.”