Eversworn: Daughters of Askara, Book 3 by Hailey Edwards Read Free Book Online Page A

had consulted the grimoire—I had another that worked well without me even trying.
    Dillon leaned over and asked, “Are you scared?”
    For reasons he couldn’t begin to fathom. “Yes.”
    “Good.” He plucked the fabric of my top. “Remember how that feels the next time you’re tempted to show up half naked at a colony filled with males desperate for a mate to claim them.”
    Heat crawled up my neck. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.” Not until I was ready at least.
    He snorted. “Yeah, well, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
    Staring after Phineas, I asked a pointed question. “Do you think I’ll be safe alone tonight?”
    Dillon’s mouth opened, but he snapped it shut. His instinct was to reassure me this place was a safe haven, that I was protected here and in no immediate danger. Now he wasn’t so sure.
    My fault . I’d stirred these males’ imaginations, making him doubt his home and neighbors.
    He rubbed his face. “How long are you staying?”
    “Only for tonight.” A few hours, I hoped. “I’m leaving in the morning.”
    “It figures.” He began walking. “You can take my bed. I’ll take the floor.”
    I tripped over my feet. Blasted skirt. “What did you say?”
    “I said you’re bunking with me.” His brow creased. “Unless you’ve got a better idea.”
    “No, I…” I shivered as chills flushed my skin. Dillon was taking me to his home, to his bed, after all. Perhaps not the way I’d intended, but a guilty thrill coursed through me at his grudging invitation.
    Glancing over his shoulder, he said, “Don’t get any ideas.”
    I almost swallowed my tongue. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Except I already had.
    “No offense, but I’m in charge of keeping the peace. You’re an accident waiting to happen.”
    “If I’m a danger to innocent males,” I asked dryly, “aren’t you concerned for yourself?”
    “I’m not innocent. Whatever your game is, I’m not playing.”
    My steps slowed. “Is that a warning of some kind?”
    “You could have dropped your glamour back there.” He stopped and turned. “Sure your little show would have attracted more attention, but it’s not wholly unwanted, is it? I mean, look how you’re dressed. Either you have something to hide, or you’re not what he thought you were.”
    I bit my lip to keep excuses from tumbling out. Too much was at stake for Dillon’s harsh words to matter. Yet my vision foolishly blurred and my eyes stung. I was not this female. She wasn’t me . I worried my locket for something to occupy my hands, to keep from wiping my face.
    He leaned as far away from me as he could without taking a step. “Are you crying?”
    “No.” I stared at the twin moons until my sight cleared.
    “Damn it.” Something hit my chest. He grunted. “There.”
    What was—his handkerchief? “Thank you.” Lifting it to my nose, I inhaled his scent.
    His brows drew together. “What are you doing?”
    Laughter stopped up my throat. “Are you always so suspicious?” Sobering, I hated to admit after tonight his worst suspicions about me would be confirmed. When I wiped my eyes, I noticed a tiny spot of blood stained one corner. I despised myself for asking, “May I keep this?”
    “It’s dirty.” He reached for it. “I cut my hand earlier. I shouldn’t have—”
    “Thank you.” I made a production of blowing my nose before offering it to him.
    “No.” He waved it aside. “Keep it. I’ll get you a clean one when we get home.” He tensed and rephrased. “I mean, from my tent.” He scratched his scalp. “Did you want to walk or what?”
    Considering how little I had accomplished, I said, “If you don’t mind.”
    He scanned me from head to toe, and then glanced toward the aisle cutting through the densest section of tents. “Here.” He pulled his shirt overhead and tossed it to me. “Put that on.”
    I did as I was told. The long sleeves hung past my fingertips. The tail of his shirt hit below