Torak laughed.
The sound curled around Adele, low, warm, dangerous, and alive.
He lifted his hand slowly. He was afraid she might disappear if he moved too fast. He brushed his thumb against her cheek.
"I have a place."
Adele blinked at him.
Then her brows pulled together almost immediately. "No way." She shook her head before he could even explain. "I can't follow you out of the castle. In fact, I've never been anywhere outside without my father. They—"
Torak placed his finger gently against her lips.
Just like that, her words died. His eyes held hers. "I love that you haven't lost your chatty self," he murmured, his voice quieter now, and more intimate. "But you don't have to worry."
Her breath hitched slightly under his touch.
"Just say yes."
"Torak."
"Adele."
They stared at each other.
And then, she smiled.
It wasn't her polite, restrained, or royal smile. She smiled a real one, and her eyes disapeared softly.
