Under the Veil I Rule

Chapter 23

She lay on her side with her back to Finnian, close to the edge of the bed but not so close that she might easily fall off. It was deliberate, almost like she was consciously maintaining that perfect balance.

Everything about her was impeccably composed, not a hair out of place, which only made Finnian's curiosity itch even more. It was like she was wrapped in layers, and he couldn't help but wonder if she was just as perfect underneath.

Finnian stood by the bed, watching Amara for a long moment before he finally lay down himself. But that itch of curiosity only grew stronger, and his body felt unusually heated.

He pushed the covers down to his waist, still feeling stifled, and loosened a couple of buttons on his shirt, contemplating whether to turn down the air conditioning.

tingling sensation spread through him, and he froze, eyes snapping open. Though he'd never been in such

he threw the covers off and sat up,

wrong?" she asked, turning her head to look at him, her voice thick with

the subtle redness at the corners of her eyes. Her gaze was dewy, her voice delicate.

the same boat as him, yet she held onto her composure without a word, without even a twitch. She was so "put-together", it

on a slight flush, his sharp features softened

of his collarbone and firm chest, like the

was so thirsty, desperate for a

had started a few minutes ago, and seeing Finnian seemed to amplify it. Even though her gaze flickered nervously, Finnian caught the hint. He