Chapter 73: The Mask Stays On

Mara’s

I settled comfortably beside Jasper on the velvet chaise, letting my fingers trail idly over the soft fabric as if I had no greater worry in the world.

He, however, was a wreck of tension next to me. Every muscle in his body felt hard and locked, and his breathing was quick and shallow. The frantic thump of his pulse pressed against my cheek like a frantic warning drum. I felt that desperate rhythm, steady and loud, and allowed a small, satisfied smile ...