Chapter 11

“What do you want to ask me, Emma?” He leans against the elevator wall, perching his butt against the handrail while casually sprawling back and crossing his ankles. His hands are in his pockets, looking at the floor. I’ve seen this Prince Carrero pose so many times before, relaxed in his domain. I eye him warily and push down my rejections to his manhandling.

“Ray Vanquis,” I utter quietly. He looks up, but I’m unable to meet his eyes. He stands upright and steps toward me when I don’t say anything else.

“Has he contacted you?” he growls, his anger evident with each word. “What has he done? Has he hurt you?” His hand grabs my wrist, pulling me to him harshly. There is a fire in his eyes, an instant rage almost boiling over. His body is hunching in toward me like a protective shield, and his face is terrifying, all sharp angles and simmering fury.

“No, Jake. No, I promise.” I resist the urge to recoil, knowing he’d never hurt me. He relaxes a little, letting me loo