Read Online Aftermath by Jaci Burton - Free Book Online Page B

seemed so…different tonight. More than just passion lived within him. She had felt strong emotions when he made love to her. Yes, of course there was passion and that had been paramount, but also more than that. She sensed a loneliness within him and a profound pain that brought tears to her eyes. Whatever it was he masked it well because she could not tap into the meaning of his pain, she merely knew it existed within him.
    To be able to use her magic to read him was more than a little disconcerting. It meant she had connected with him on more than simply a physical level. It meant she might just care for Braedon. The thought brought both awe and a bit of unease. What did she really know about him? He was king and his parents had died. He had a younger brother and sister that he virtually ignored.
    ‘Twas time to find out more about this man she was betrothed to. Perhaps a little more insight would help her decide whether she stayed in Greenbriar or schemed her way to freedom.
    “Tell me about your family,” she started, trailing her finger around his human-shaped ear. So different in many ways than the elvin and faerie males, yet in many ways just the same.
    He tensed, then pushed off and sat up. “Why would you ask that?” Rolling over onto her side, she tangled her fingers in the crisp hair of his thigh. “I am curious to know your background. After all, we are to be wed and after what happened just now I would think—”
    “Stop.”
    Her hand stilled and she frowned at him. “Stop what?”
    “Stop thinking.” He rose and grabbed his clothes, jerking his legs into his breeches in such a hurry it made her head spin. “Stop asking questions. What happened tonight changes nothing.” He was wrong. It had changed everything. She stood and reached for her gown, feeling more naked and vulnerable than ever. “I meant only to show you my interest in your family.” His glare was cold, replacing the warmth inside her with an icy chill. “You meant only to pry. Fucking you does not give you ownership over me. Do not attempt to delve into my personal life.” His…was she not his “personal life” now? “Braedon, I beg to differ, but—”
    “Beg all you want. Just mind your own business and we will do fine together. It is late. We should get back before dawn.”
    Before she could object further, he did what he did best—walked away. She had no choice but to follow or spend the night in the forest alone.
    Though the latter seemed like a much better option.
    Instead, she seethed and shot mental curses toward his back as she hurried to keep up with him.
    If he thought this was the end of their conversation, he was wrong. By the time they reached the castle and entered their separate rooms, Trista was fuming. There would be no sleep for her tonight. Not for quite awhile. Instead, she paced the length of her room, occasionally casting hateful glances at the doorway. In the wee hours of the morning she decided that she would, indeed, marry Braedon.

    If for no other reason than to make every day of the rest of his life as uncomfortable as an eternity in hell.

Chapter Six
    Braedon sat in his chair in front of the hearth and sipped the strong liquor that would hopefully grant him at least a measure of sleep before his duties began in a few short hours. He focused his sights on the heavy door to his chambers as if staring at it would provide the answers he sought.
    He needed to sleep. It had been too long, and he knew without rest he could not be an effective leader.
    But how could he sleep knowing the vixen slumbered, peacefully no doubt, in the room next to his?
    It had been two days since that night in the D’Naathian forest. Two days and she acted as if nothing had happened between them. In fact, if he thought fucking her would improve her disposition he was more than wrong. She was worse now than before, ignoring him completely. She spent more time with Erin and Donny than she did with him!
    He jammed his fingers