Page 125 of Hell Fae Captive

“Protected?” I reiterated. It was a strange word to use for a prisoner.

“Yes, Prince Melek gave me orders to train you for the next trial, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

I frowned because knowing that Melek was the cause for Ajax’s behavior didn’t sit right with me.

The prince played games, ones with fatal consequences if lost.

Although, Ajax was a bit more straightforward, and if he meant to prepare me for the next trial, I’d listen. His advice about the border crossing had been accurate, as had everything he’d told me about the Nightmare Fae. He also continued to be honest with me, something I suspected was a rarity around here.

“What sort of training?” I asked.

“You’ll see,” he replied, the response reminding me of Melek and making me frown.

Ajax was usually the candid one who didn’t bother holding back. “How very cryptic of you. Taking pointers fromPrince Melek?”

The Midnight Fae huffed a humorless laugh. “Not quite, little rebel.” His blue-black irises ran over me, his expression sobering as he took in healing scrapes and yellowing bruises. Being half-fae had the benefit of enhanced healing. Unfortunately, there were likely many full-blooded-fae candidates who could heal even faster.

“I’m not elaborating because I think you need to take today to rest.”

“My mind is fine,” I promised him.

Apart from the heat-driven fantasy associated with your shirtless form, anyway,I thought, my cheeks warming.

“I want to know more about the training Melek requested.”There. My voice sounded politely stern, not breathless or sultry.

“If you’re going to become a Hell Fae, then you need to do a better job of living in the present. Focus on what youneedright now and stop worrying about things you can’t control.” He rubbed his chin, then leaned back in his chair, causing his muscles to ripple enticingly. Then he cocked his brow and glanced pointedly at my plate.

Narrowing my gaze, I speared another bite and popped it into my mouth.

His answering smile seemed to say,Good girl.

Fine. I would eat.

Not just to satisfy him, but because it tasted good, too.

The fae really did know how to cook. He also ate fast, his food having disappeared long before I commented on his penchant for surprising me.

But he took his time with his coffee, his pupils flaring each time he sipped.

Definitely has blood in it.

Thankfully, he hadn’t brought me a cup. Because ew.

I tossed the final bite into my mouth and made a show of chewing and swallowing. “Satisfied?” I asked.

His gaze ran over me again, finding my braless breasts. “Hardly.”

I rolled my eyes, ignoring the innuendo there. “Can you tell me about the trial now?”

He still had that little amused look about him, one that promised sinful and wicked things. “That depends. Are there any other needs of yours that haven’t been met yet?”

That made my heart skip a beat.

He couldn’t possibly mean that the way it sounded. He just meant food and sleep.Right?

I cleared my throat. “Well, I’m still tired. But I can’t sleep if I’m stressing about the unknown.”

He considered that for a moment and shrugged. “Maybe you could try trusting me and my motives and just take today off. Chill. Relax. Do whatever you want within the confines of my rooms. Then tomorrow, we’ll discuss the next trial.”