Page 119 of Shattered Veil
“It’s so nice to meet you, Ella. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.” Shea leans in and hugs me. Whispering in my ear, she says, “And congratulations.”
Heart spiking, I stiffen. “Thank you.”
“This is Jillian’s day. You’ll have yours soon. I promise.” She hugs me again.
With his arm around my waist, Balor says, “You knowthis means you’re next, Shea.”
Her eyes immediately fly to Trace Quinlan, standing a few feet behind her. He’s been assigned to protect her. And his eyes, and pretty much body, aregluedto her.
“Not if this Neanderthal has anything to do with it. I have a better chance of licking the glass of the Mona Lisa than getting a man in my bed the way Trace Quinlan is up in my grill.”
Shea’s voice drips with venom but raw vulnerability seeps through. Mentioning licking glass and a man in her bed has Trace looking ready to combust.
“I’ll talk to him,” Balor says, pressing a kiss to my cheek, then heads in that direction.
I consider telling Shea to just lick Trace and gethiminto bed, but since we just met, I think it’s best to save that comment for the next time I see her.
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
Ella
Fredricks Elementary closes for the week of Spring Break. I’m thinking not much will change for Balor and me, other than I don’t have to rush out the door so early. Surely Balor will be busy with work as usual.
Only, I wake up to a blindfold lowered in front of my eyes and next, I’m lifted over a man’s shoulders, my ass in the air. I assume it’s a man, and I assume this man is Balor.
“What are you doing?” I pound on his back.
“I’m kidnapping you,” Balor says with a husky drawl.
“What time is it?”
“Early. The sun’s just coming up.”
“Where are you taking me? I need—”
“I packed everything for you last night after you fell asleep.”
Kidnapping with toiletries. Not too bad.
“Let me dress you.” Balor helps me slide into a long, wool dress and suede boots.
He even piles my hair on top of my head, masterfully twisting the band the way I do it to make a perfect messy bun.
He brings me to the bathroom to let me pee and brush my teeth. Kissing me, he says, “It’s because I know you’ll feel better. I love how you taste, twenty-four-seven.”
Then I’m lifted again, and cool air hits my skin.
I gasp. “Coat! I need my coat.”
“Already in the car, and already warmed up.”
Warmth surrounds me, and the mint scent of Balor’s air freshener tells me we’re in his Rivian.
“Balor, this is amazing. But please let me grab—”
His fingers pinch my mouth. “I grabbed everything for you. I’ve been watching you.”
Through a camera at times, I suspect.