Page 65 of Infernal Bonds

“I’m okay now.”

I looked up into his amber eyes, ready to steer him toward the ballroom before he got into trouble if he realized someone had caused my discomfort. As much as he and I fought, he never hesitated to step up to defend me.

When he didn’t budge, I bit my lower lip, drawing his gaze to my mouth.

“It seems she doesn’t like me,” the stranger called from behind me, and I tensed.

Cyn looked over my head, and his natural scowl deepened. “What the fuck are you doing out here?” He looked back down at me. “Were you with him? Did he touch you?”

I pressed my lips into a thin line.

“I thought I’d introduce myself to your Nyrith.” He sighed. “It seems I’ve made a terrible first impression, though.”

Cyn looked down at me again. “Did he hurt you?”

The man’s laugh sounded more amused than mocking.

“No.”

“Then why—” Cyn looked up and shook his head before returning his attention to me. “We need to get back before Cornaith combusts.”

I wouldn’t argue with him. I wanted to get away from the guy who’d put his hands on me and so easily backed me into a corner.

“I’ll see you around, Raelynn.”

Cyn stepped around me. “Stay away from her, Kairian.”

The stranger—Kairian—held his hands up with a smirk. “Easy. I have no intention of harming your little Nyrith.” Not giving Cyn the chance to say anything more, he moved past us, casting me one last once-over with that same intense focus in his gaze.

Cyn turned his focus to me when Kairian rounded the corner toward the ballroom. “If he didn’t hurt you, then why were you shaking?”

“I’m okay.”

“That’s not what I asked. You don’t touch me, Raelynn.” He glanced over his shoulder. “And you can’t hide your scent from me. You were afraid.” His sharp eyes met mine. “Now tell me why. What did he do?”

I sighed. “He just got too close, and it made me uncomfortable.”

“That’s all?”

“I mean, I couldn’t exactly leave.” I motioned to the alcove.

“He had you in there and wouldn’t let you leave?” Cyn turned away from me and started down the hall until I grabbed his hand, halting him. “Let go. I’m going to break his face.”

“This is exactly why I didn’t say anything.” I tugged him toward me, and he came without resisting. “I’m just not used to being around infernals I don’t know.” I shrugged. “Didn’t know if he was safe.”

Cyn’s lip curled. “If he put you in the alcove, then he’s not. Stay away from him.”

I bristled but said nothing. I had no intention of being near Kairian again. Cyn was right, after all. Anyone who would corner someone and grab their face was not safe to be alone with.

“Let’s get back before there’s trouble.” He groaned as a woman in a silken magenta mermaid gown walked in our direction. “Spoke too soon.”

“Prince Brakeal, there you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” the woman said, putting her hand on his arm and smiling up at him. “I wanted to see if you’d like to take a break from the festivities in one of the bedrooms for a little drink with me?”

The woman hadn’t so much as looked at me since she’d set her sights on Cyn. Hearts were almost visible in her hazel eyes as she waited for his response.

“I need to get back,” he said, his voice devoid of all emotion. I’d never heard him sound so cold—even with me.

She dropped her hand and frowned. “Oh.” She pouted. “Are you sure? Have you had blood recently?”