"Never make a deal with a Fae - you might end up getting entangled with more than what you bargained for." Aldric’s warning rang clearly in Islinda’s head, and that was the reason she stared at Andre hesitantly. Was it worth getting into a trade with him? She already knew that a negotiation with a Fae was binding.
However, Islinda couldn’t remain in the dark forever. She had to uncover the truth that had been hidden away from her. Moreover, Andre was not like Aldric with his sinister ulterior motives. Furthermore, she was not naive enough to enter a deal with a Fae without being specific. Her ti with Aldric had taught her to be cautious.
She said, "Fine, I’ll grant you the deal on the condition that whatever favor you collect doesn’t compromise my physical well-being or morals."
This way, he couldn’t hurt her or force her to harm anyone, at least physically. She trusted Andre had compassion, unlike Aldric, but that didn’t an she couldn’t be careful.
Waiting for Andre to turn down the offer, considering there wasn’t a loophole to exploit if he had evil intentions toward her, Andre instead smirked, "Fine. So do we have a deal?"
Surprised yet composed, Islinda stretched out her hand, "Deal."
"It is a pleasure making a deal with you, Islinda." Andre enveloped her small hand with his larger one and shook it. The familiar tingle of magic washed over Islinda, and she knew that their fate had been sealed. She couldn’t back out of it now.
They remained that way for a mont, grinning at each other like partners in cri, until Islinda felt Andre caressing the top of her palm in a way that felt too intimate. Her gaze flickered down, her brows slightly furrowed.
Catching himself at the last minute, Andre jerked his hand back as if he had been electrocuted. He covered up his slip-up with a nervous smile. But inwardly, Andre grimaced and wished he could bang his head against the wall. What was wrong with him?
Islinda noticed that it was strange, but she didn’t dwell on it. He was probably just trying to comfort her. Moreover, Andre was a playboy and would never be interested in her. She was reading too much into the gesture.
"You should get so sleep. It’s already morning. You should rest before Aldric’s hearing today. It’s going to be a challenging day," Andre instructed her.
Islinda didn’t bother to argue; exhaustion was finally creeping in. In just one night, she had been attacked in her sleep, thrown over the balcony, died, resurrected, argued with Andre, discovered her mother might still be alive, and learned that she might be half human and destined for this realm. It was too much for one person to handle in such a short ti. Fate was truly against her. Who deals with all of this in one night? Damn fate!
"You’re not leaving, right?" Islinda yawned, stretching her bones.
"I’m not moving a muscle, Islinda, not after realizing you’re a magnet for danger," Andre joked.
She laughed. "That’s a good one."
"And I an it; you attract danger just by existing."
"Well, I guess the universe hates... ," her eyelids began to droop.
"You should sleep now."
"I’ll sleep when I’m ready to..." Islinda began to say but fell into a deep slumber mid-sentence. Falling asleep so quickly wasn’t surprising; her body needed to recover from the ordeal of the day. She had pushed herself to the limits she wasn’t used to as a human.
Andre chuckled, finding her stubbornness a bit adorable. He leaned on her bed, watching her sleep. As he took a closer look at her, he realized that Islinda was quite beautiful. Unlike his kind, who were usually graceful and willowy, Islinda’s human-like features were a bit exotic.
He couldn’t help but poke her cheek, laughing when she swatted his hand, scratched her neck, muttered so incomprehensible words, and beca still. If it weren’t for the soft rising and falling of her chest, one would think she was dead with how deeply she slept.
His hand tingled, and he caught a lock of her hair, running it between his fingers. It was silky soft, and he could sll his shampoo on her. She slled like him, and it stirred a strange feeling inside Andre. It stirred a primal urge to claim her as his own.
No. Andre shook his head, trying to dismiss the thoughts in his head. Aldric had entrusted him with Islinda’s safety; he wasn’t supposed to have any romantic interests. However, his eyes flickered towards her lips, and he gulped. They were the most plump, kissable lips he had ever seen.
Fuck! He shouldn’t have these lustful feelings towards Islinda, but he couldn’t help himself. If only he could steal a kiss. Well, he technically could. Andre hovered over Islinda and began to lean in, his heart beating so fast he was afraid she might hear it. The thought of stealing a kiss while she slept thrilled him, but it also made him feel guilty. In the end, his desire won.
Just as he was about to brush his lips against hers, Islinda muttered one na, her voice barely audible.
"Aldric..."
Andre froze, that na serving as a rude awakening. It felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him. He jerked away from her, putting enough distance between them. He wiped his palm down his face. By the gods, he couldn’t be crushing on Islinda too, could he? No, that couldn’t be. He would end up being used like Aldric and Valerie were.
So Andre kept his distance as he watched over her.
When he awoke the next morning, Andre jolted up only to realize that he had overslept. He stood up and turned, only to stop short and widen his eyes.
His brother, Theodore, was in the room with him.
The spring Fae prince snarled, "So this is where the bitch has been hiding?"
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