After what happened at the quarry, my energy had been sapped. I’d bathed to wash away the dirt and lake water and then fallen straight into bed. It’s a wonder I woke up at all.

But I did wake up and I…

My hands fly to my fiery cheeks.

I asked Ever to cuddle with me.

I can’t even blame my boldness on drink. I simply wanted him to stay, and he did.

Now he’s here and⁠—

The way Ever’s hair sticks straight up at the back is the most endearing thing I’ve ever seen. He might be a dangerous Unseelie warrior, but he is also an excellent snuggler.

For some reason, he isn’t getting out of the bed.

“What’s wrong?” Why doesn’t he seem the least bit fazed by our current predicament? The sun is out and if he climbs down the roof now, the neighbors are liable to see him.

He frowns.

“Ever!” I hiss under my breath.

The muscles in his bicep flex as he drags a hand through his hair. “I am struggling with something that you do not wish to discuss.”

His gaze makes an unmistakable sweep down the front of my robe⁠—

Hold on. Where the hell is my robe? I could’ve sworn I put it on last night, but now I am standing in front of this man in nothing but my shift and bloomers. The cool morning air leaves my nipples straining against the silk. I fold my arms over my chest to try to hide them even though there’s no point because he has obviously already had a good gander.

I am struggling with something that you do not wish to discuss.

Ever adjusts the covers over his lap, his pained wince transforming into a grimace. The meaning behind his cryptic words clicks, and I choke on the air evacuating my lungs.

His body is stirring.

Thump. Thump. Thump. “Kerris! Come on. Mother needs help with the pies.”

Who can think of pies at a time like this?

Forcing my embarrassment aside, I look Ever dead in the eye. “You need to hide.”

He glances from the bed to the wardrobe and back again. “Where?”

Where, indeed?

“Kerris!”

“I’m coming, Nia! Just let me get dressed.”

Now it’s Ever’s turn to choke.

“Close your eyes and don’t peek.”

He rolls over in the bed and buries his face into the mattress. Trusting that he won’t try to steal a glance, I quickly change into one of the gowns I’ve altered from Madame Ella. Instead of wearing the corset with the ribbons to the back, I keep them at the front so I can tie them myself.

“You can open your eyes now.” Where are my damn slippers? I really need to clean this room. When I finally straighten, Everett is still staring at me.