Saving Verakko: The Clecanian Series Book 3 Victoria Aveline (best book club books .TXT) 📖

together just above her knees, she’d worry the fabric would billow and give anyone watching a show.

Although it wasn’t the most comfortable or modest thing she’d ever worn, Lily had a small, vain idea that she looked great in it. She took a few steps around the room, searching for a mirror, and cursed, halting. It was incredibly difficult to walk, the cinched cape restricting her movements and making her believe she’d tear something at any moment.

Lily stared hard at the door. Should she take the whole frock off and try again or suck it up and ask Verakko for help? After spending a few petulant moments arguing with herself, she carefully padded to the door and knocked twice.

As if he’d been waiting only a breath away, the door whizzed open. Verakko allowed his gaze to roam over her body hungrily. Dammit, Lily thought as her cheeks and chest grew hot.

It appeared he’d taken the downtime to change as well. His iridescent black shirt was short-sleeved and dipped low on his broad chest. It was held together in the front by thick leather laces. Loose black pants sat low on his hips and were stuffed into the tops of his well-worn boots. Lily hated how incredible he looked.

His heated gaze paused at her waist and was replaced with a look of confusion, confirming she had in fact put her outfit on incorrectly.

“I’ve never worn anything like this,” she said defensively, pursing her lips.

Verakko gave her a lopsided grin, and she stifled a curse. God, she loved that smile.

He walked toward her, and Lily forced herself to remain still and impassive. It became harder and harder to do, though, as Verakko continued moving closer. He stopped right in front of her, only a few inches away. Heart thrumming furiously in her chest, she focused her eyes on the floor.

Although she couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes, she could feel his insistent gaze boring into her. Then, without a word, he slid his hands around her waist. Her breath caught at the sensation of his palms on her back, and she had to stop herself from ardently wishing he’d pull her in close. He fiddled with something as she held her arms out stiffly.

He’s just a guy. You met him a week ago. He’s a liar. Burning cedar hit her senses, and she barely contained a sigh.

A small click sounded, and suddenly the restrictive tightness of the jumpsuit lessened. Lily peered down and saw Verakko’s hands emerge from behind her, holding two sides of a gold clasp attached to either side of her cape. He pulled the clasp under her elbows and locked it around her waist. Rather than trailing down her back as it did before, the orange fabric now draped over the side of her body and, to her relief, partially shielded the bare skin of her thighs.

Verakko remained in place, one hand still resting at her waist. She refused to look up at him. “Thank you,” she said, stepping away. He let her.

“I brought you a mokti too,” Verakko said, retrieving a small box from the chair.

“A what?”

“It’s an accessory that many females wear. It covers your neck.”

“Why?” Lily eyed the small golden item in his hand and waited breathlessly as he stepped behind her.

“Fashion, I suppose. Lift your hair.” Lily piled her hair on her head and waited. The heat from Verakko’s body seeped into her back, and his breath on her neck made goosebumps break out over her bare shoulders. “A long time ago, moktis were used to completely cover the neck for modesty’s sake, but now they’ve become more of a fashion statement and highlight the neck rather than hide it.”

“Is that why Desy kept looking at my neck?” Lily asked, embarrassment flaring. “Do I look naked or something without a mokti on?”

A low growl tore from Verakko, but he quickly stifled it. “Most females choose to wear one, but some don’t. Either way, he shouldn’t have been looking.” He wrapped something large around her neck. The mokti must’ve been made of metal because when it touched her skin it was cold, and she hopped backward, surprised.

Lily hit Verakko’s chest and like lightning, his arms shot down and wrapped around her waist, pulling her to him. A rattling purr immediately started in his chest and vibrated against her back. He dipped his head to her neck and inhaled deeply, squeezing her waist.

Her throat grew tight. She wanted to relax and accept Verakko’s touch, but she couldn’t. She felt so far away from him yet so close at the same time. Without saying a word, she attempted to step forward, showing him she wanted to be let go.

His purr stuttered out, and he slowly released her. He laid the cool metal over her neck again, and she felt a tug in her hair near the base of her skull as if he’d clipped something there. The mokti was like an over-large choker or a turtleneck of sorts.

Verakko smoothed the metal and let a longer piece drape down her front and between her cleavage. She examined it and found the metal formed small delicate golden flowers that grew progressively smaller as they trailed in between her breasts. The rest of the metal flared out and followed the curve of her shoulders.

She moved away and faced him.

“You look beautiful,” Verakko said in a hushed tone.

Mental exhaustion suddenly overtook her. She was still so confused. He’d said his marriage was over because his eyes had changed and she was his mate. But he’d also said that mates stayed together for life. How could he just assume she’d agree to that? Was he so sure she wanted to be with him that she’d simply forget he’d been lying about being engaged this whole time?

“Let’s go,” he said, motioning to the door.

“Go where?”