Royal Enchantment (Skeleton Key) Read Online Free Page A

the whole truth either. However, she’d play long. For now. “Wouldn’t I be safe in my own world?”
    “No. Not now that you are here. Your presence in the forest would have alerted our enemies. They will be searching for you.”
    Hmm. “And I’m safe here?”
    Emerald eyes locked with hers. “Yes, but only inside the palace walls. I have the palace warded to protect those within, including you.”
    Again with a half-truth. She had to get out of there. Finn didn’t make sense. Hell, none of the crap that had happened in the last hour made sense. “You still haven’t answered my question as to why I should stay.”
    “Your life is in danger now.”
    She glared at him. She trusted people too much in her life. That’s why things like the partnership with Jeff ended with her being shitted on. She simply didn’t understand how people could be so hurtful. “You are withholding information from me. Why should I believe anything you say?”
    When he opened his mouth to speak, she held up a hand. “Don’t tell me another half-truth.”
    He dropped his shoulders. “I know from the bottom of my soul that you are the hybrid elf we’ve been waiting for. I also know you are to be my bride.”
    Her heart stopped for a brief moment, then resumed beating at an alarming rate. His bride? Oh. No. That wasn’t happening.
    She rushed to the door and ran down the hallway, desperate to find a way out of the palace. Away from Finn.
     

Chapter Three
     
    Ava made it to the edge of the forest before Finn flashed in front of her. Skidding to a halt, she glared at him. Magick rippled around him, darkening his aura. A mix of anger and fear flowed from him and touched her awareness. He truly was afraid for her life.
    She flicked her gaze to the large bodyguard behind Finn. Kellam stood with his arms folded like a wall. No, he was more like a dragon, waiting for danger to strike. Turning her attention back to Finn, she pointed at him. “I’m not marrying you. One, I don’t know you, and two, I will not marry anyone I’m not in love with.”
    Finn closed the gap between them, took her hand, and then flattened her palm against his chest. Heat enveloped her, making it impossible to concentrate. His voice was calm and soft when he spoke. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Please stay with me. Learn about my people, our people, and give me a chance to woo you.”
    A tiny voice in her head screamed to run, but it was her heart that she trusted the most. Even when it led her down a darker path. Maybe she was here for a reason? However, she still wasn’t sold on Finn’s story of her parents being elves. “I’ll give you a day.”
    A sexy smile lifted the corners of his lips. “That’s hardly fair. Give me a month.”
    A month? Thoughts of home churned in her mind. She had no one waiting on her. In fact, she wasn’t sure there was anyone who would miss her. Really, she didn’t have anything to lose. Or gain. Sadness settled into her heart. Her life was a lonely, pathetic mess. “One week.”
    He looped an arm around her waist and meshed their bodies together. Desire rushed through her, making her lightheaded. She took a deep breath to try to clear her thoughts, but his clean, earthy scent only made her want him more. Then he let out a low growl-like sound that vibrated his chest. “Two weeks.”
    Oh, dear God. “No more.”
    “Deal.”
    The sound of that one word made her suddenly think she had just sealed her fate with the devil himself.
    She opened her mouth to speak, but Finn placed a finger over her lips in a silent command. A moment later, he moved to stand with his back against her front in a protective stance. Kellam moved in beside Finn then stepped forward. Fear burned her insides as a dark energy touched her psyche. Peeking around him, she couldn’t see any signs of a threat, but it was there, lurking.
    “What is it?” she whispered.
    Finn reached back with one hand and gently squeezed her elbow. “Go