Prince and Assassin (Perilous Courts, #1)

by Tavia Lark

There’s no overt sign in Will’s expression, no circles under his eyes. But Julien has the distinct impression that Will is exhausted. Like he’s stretched too thin. Like he hasn’t slept in days.

Maybe that’s what he finds so interesting about Will. Will isn’t trying to impress him at all.

I’m definitely not going to fuck him, Julien tells himself. At least, not before the background check comes back.

“He moved too quickly,” Julien says. “I know. Don’t worry. I’m still not fucking him.” “That’s still not as reassuring as you think it is.”

“I barely got scratched,” Whisper protests. Julien gently takes Whisper’s arm again. “If you got a papercut, it would be too much for me.”

The space between them is meaningless when Julien’s presence suffuses every particle of air, fogging the glass around Whisper’s heart.

“I want you to stay for a very long time. I want to get to know you better. Slowly. That’s why I want you to know you can leave whenever you want. I want you to stay, but I don’t want you trapped here, if you ever want to leave.”