We never used a condom between us because diseases weren’t an issue for the fae, and pregnancy apparently was controlled by the male.
I had some choice opinions on that part, but Tray assured me he would never trigger it without talking to me first. As I could read his mind, I knew he meant it.
He pressed his lips to my temple. “Ready, Ella?”
I nodded, relaxing into his side. “Yes.”
Tonight marked the end of an era.
And the beginning of a new one.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Ella
The Winter Ball was held in the same venue as the Holiday Ball, making the surroundings eerily familiar. Only, the decorations were blue and silver, not red and green. But everything else reminded me of that fated night from years ago.
Including the prince standing near the staircase. I had to begrudgingly admit that Dash had aged well, his handsome face slightly more cut and edged than his freshman version. He was also about six inches taller with broader shoulders. But I recognized the dick beneath the exterior, that same arrogant flare radiating from his too-blue eyes as he grinned at everyone who approached him.
My stomach tightened as he met my gaze.
I had a mission tonight that included him, and this was exactly what I needed to have happen, but, ugh, I so did not want to do this. But I forced my lips to curl into a shy smile—as I’d done for the last few weeks while I’d pretended to tolerate his presence.
He canted his head to the side in unspoken invitation, and I nodded.
It meant he wanted to talk, something he’d done twice to me over the last month. However, it’d always been about immaterial shit. Like the weather or class assignments. Such a weird thing for us to discuss after years of endless bickering.
Although, really, most of that bickering had been instigated by Charlie. It sort of left Dash and me without a means of communication. As though we didn’t know how to converse now that we weren’t fighting.
Which both negatively and positively impacted my plan of attack.
He wants to talk, I told Tray as I took a step forward. Tray had purposely left me alone on this side of the room, knowing Dash would take the opportunity to grab my attention. Our entire scheme hinged on the assumption that Dash was attracted to me—something I still didn’t believe. But I’d play along for now and see if I couldn’t find a way to trap him.
I see that, Tray replied softly. If he touches you, I won’t be able to stop myself from intervening.
It took effort not to roll my eyes. I can handle myself. Dash didn’t frighten me so much as repulse me.
Yes, I’m aware, love. It’s me who will have trouble controlling myself in this scenario.
Yet, this was all your idea, I reminded him in a singsong voice.
No, I wanted to kill him. You told me to think of alternatives, and this was a suggestion—one I regret right now.
It’ll be fine, I promised, stopping in front of Dash. “Hi.”
“Hey,” he replied, his trademark cocky air missing from that single word. “Can we, uh, talk somewhere?” His tone and demeanor were a stark contrast to his approach at Homecoming where he demanded a dance.
I nearly frowned. It couldn’t be this easy, could it? I think he’s up to something.
Same, Tray agreed. Be careful.
I left my cuff at home, I thought back at him, smiling inside. Dash would severely regret it if he tried something. “Sure,” I said, giving him a tight smile. “Lead the way.”
He nodded, his posture oddly uneasy.
Yeah, he’s definitely up to something, I decided.
Tray remained quiet, but I felt his protective energy swimming around me in a comforting caress.