Page 107 of Wicked Magik

“But I know…”

Veylor cleared his throat again. “I do not care what you have done. You should not look inside her mind to find ways to help me. I will earn her on my own. Just as I have had to earn you,” he whispered.

I didn’t know what to think about any of that. First he didn’t want to see me naked and then he didn’t want to learn free information about how to win me over. He wants to do it himself?

This better not be a trick.

The envelope of darkness grew heavier as Veylor’s steps retreated out of the room. I felt Oryx move away from my body and his voice becoming more distant as I felt underwear being pulled up my legs.

This lich was trying. Was it going to be enough? I wasn’t sure, only time would tell.

Because I still think he can be a dick.

Chapter 35

Veylor

She agreed to dinner. I took that as a step in the right direction.

It took several days for me to see her again. The last time she saw me in my state of duress was not something I wanted repeated. I wanted her to think I was capable, even if Benedict said I needed to show emotion.

It was hard to show emotion other than with Oryx. It took us years to develop our relationship and I was expected to drop this exterior in a matter of days?

Yet I did. She saw me terrified of what I had done to her.

I can only hope she sees it as I do truly care for her well-being and not because I am a weak fae.

I had been regarded as weak during my time in the Shadow Court, and I didn’t want her to think of me as weak as well.

A cough escaped my lips as I stood sentinel by the expansive window, gazing out over the estate grounds. On the table behind me, dinner grew cold. My fingers found the chain of my pocket watch. I took out my watch and checked the time once more.

She’s five minutes late.

Oryx said he would be sure to bring her down and dine with us to keep things light.

No pressure, just dinner.

Humans liked to eat.

I liked to eat.

I pushed back my long hair and let out a shuddering breath.

Benedict’s shoes clicked across the dark marbled floor and came toward me. The hurried footsteps of others echoed through the room as they carried in more deep red roses, freshly gathered from the now-abundant garden.

“My lord, there is another suit in your bedroom if you sweat through that one.” Benedict looked me up and down and smirked.

My lip curled into a snarl, and I pulled down my vest. “I am not sweating. I don’t sweat, you undead thing.”

Benedict frowned and laid a hand on his chest. “That wasn’t even a good comeback, my lord, you are nervous.”

The two women moved the vases around on the dining room table and then looked toward us, eventually scattering out of the room and back to the kitchen.

“How are Josephine and Phyrrah doing?” I adjusted my sleeves once more and stared out the window.

While Vesper has been resting due to her monthly and nightmares, I took it upon myself to bring back two of theestate’s maids, relieving Benedict of some of his chores. The women were delighted to be back and even more so happy to have bodies that were so well put together.

Something I needed to thank Vesper for.