Year Three (Kingmakers, #3)

by Sophie Lark

“Why are you wearing that?” He’s looking at the collar around my neck. “I thought . . .” “The month is over. You can take it off.” “Alright,” I say hesitantly. I reach behind my neck to undo the buckle, fumbling with the cold-stiffened leather. Dean turns me around and deftly unbuckles the collar with his much-stronger fingers. My neck feels cold and naked without it. I’ve worn that collar almost constantly this last month. Dean slips it in his pocket. I feel strangely rejected, as if he’s taken something from me. “Our deal is done,” Dean says, his purplish eyes fixed on mine. “You held up your end of the bargain. And your secret is safe. I’ll never speak a word of it to anyone. In fact, you don’t have to do this tonight.” He nods toward the pale golden light leaking out of the heavy double doors. “We can go inside, part ways, and never speak again, if that’s the way you want it.” “Is that what you want?” I ask, looking up at him, his face like marble in the moonlight. He flinches and I see it—the crack in his armor. And the real person beneath. “No,” he says quietly. “I don’t want that either,” I say, slipping my hand into his. “I want to dance with you tonight.” “Good,” Dean breathes. “Because the way you look in that dress—I couldn’t stand to see you dance with anyone else.” My heart is beating faster than it ever has before—even in Dean’s and my most vigorous moments.