Chapter 26

She swallowed, thinking of how stupid she was to believe it was Sir Derinem. Trying not to tremble in front of the guard so he wouldn't report to Maestro, she lowered her moist eyes, waiting for his voice to return.

"Maya," he chuckled. "I caught you off guard."

She nodded for a moment, forgetting he wasn't with her, but still, she felt him around. His touch, his threats, his kisses...

"Maya!"

"M...Maes... Maestro very...sorry, I fell asleep... "

"Stop speaking, Maya, before you choke on air." He growled, obviously fed up with her stutters. Then he sighed, "It's challenging that you're not here. I got used to your presence, and it's hard reaching out and not touching you."

Quite the opposite was the case for her. The large bed was made for her without him, and her bulging lower eyes faded back to their beautiful shape.

"Say something, Maya. I called to hear you speak."

How he went from sounding like the devil to a lost little boy couldn't be