Aiden’s eyes went very still.
I recognized that look now.
He was building contingencies in his head. couldn’t know which ones, couldn’t know what his wicked brilliant mind was coming up with. But I could see gears behind his eyes, could feel the settlement of his soul into rationality. Into schemes and plans and goddess knew what else.
I hated that I could see it.
I hated more that some part of me was grateful.
“What kind of protection?” he asked finally.
Elizabeth did not answer.
Instead, she moved.
Around the table first. Slowly. Her coat brushed the chair legs, dark fabric whispering against wood. She circled Aiden, and he let her, but every inch of him resisted. His shoulders stayed loose. His hands did not. When she passed behind him, his fingers flexed once, hard, and the bon
