King Tomb (Forever Evermore, #3)(40)
My lips pinched with a smidge of humor as he turned and exited my tent in a huff, running hot and cold like normal. My attention went to Isa, hearing her burp loudly, King Zeller having finished feeding her the bottle. I started packing up the videos and other items from my spelled PO Box — although I did remove the photos and marriage certificate, not able to look at King Zeller now that Antonio was gone and we were alone again. “I’m going to keep the photos and marriage certificate in my bedroom since no one can get back there, and once you’re done with the videos, I’ll take it all back to where I had them before for safe keeping.”
He murmured, “That works for me right now.” King Zeller stood, Isa in his arms, and I watched him from the corner of my eye go to stand in front of the tent flap to my bedroom and toe the entrance with his boot. And, just as the spell had been created to work, his boot hit an invisible barrier before he could reach the flap. He grunted, reaching out to run his hand along the barrier, which extended the length of the wall including the outside, which he was probably realizing. “I want to see where my daughter sleeps,” his gaze was on me, I could feel it, “or she comes to my tent tonight.”
My teeth clenched, and I finally met his gaze. “Are you serious?” I threw my arms wide. “This is coming from the man who has drugs stashed in his room?”
His nostrils flared, and he spoke bluntly. “I could have it all removed in a matter of minutes, then you could inspect it.” He knocked on the barrier. “Your room, on the other hand, I can’t even see.”
My arms crossed in irritation as I stared. “I’ll do this because I understand fully where you are coming from, but know that I can take away your access just as quickly as I give it.” I pointed a finger at him. “So, if I allow you in and you breach my trust at a later date, I will revoke your entry.” I saw he didn’t like this, not at all, but intelligently he didn’t argue since my point was valid. I nodded, then I crossed my arms, compelled to also say, “And just because I’m allowing you back there, it doesn’t mean we will be doing...anything,” my hand fluttered, “sexual…in there.” My cheeks were starting to flush, but I didn’t glance away from his gaze, letting him know I meant it.
His lips pinched as he gazed at me, then they twitched.
I jabbed the finger at him again. “I’m serious.” Again, I watched his lips twitch. “And dammit, I’m not funny.”
He inhaled heavily, his breath coming out shakily as he tried damn hard not to laugh at me.
I scowled, lifting the pictures and marriage certificate from the table. “Well, I’m so thrilled you think what happened earlier was humorous.” I lightly shoved him out of the way so I was standing in front of the tent flap, and murmured quietly, “Permit Ezra Zeller.” The wall flashed solid gold for a moment, then went back to shimmering gold against the white fabric. I brushed the tent flap aside, stepping into my bedroom, and motioned grandly for him to cross the threshold. “Your annoying Highness may now enter.”
“Thank you, your smartass Highness.” He stepped into my room, his gaze instantly scanning, analyzing everything he saw. He didn’t move any further until he had finished, then he made his way directly to Isa’s crib, not commenting on the sterile surroundings. I blinked when he paused in placing Isa in her crib and reached inside. Without glancing in my direction he held his arm out…with a buzzing bee printed bra dangling from his index finger. I quickly strode over and snatched it from his hand, muttering curses quietly under my breath as I tossed it into the bathroom, letting the tent flap close to hide its untidiness…and possibly more undergarments he could make fun of.
I watched as he kissed her cheek before placing her in the crib, earning a few happy babbles from her, and I froze. Staring. Because right here, right now, in the present day and time as he bent over the crib covering his daughter with her blanket and softly speaking to her…I saw the man I had watched onscreen. There was not an ounce of hardness on his face as he gazed down at her, completely letting down his guard — well, if he hadn’t strategically placed his body to protect himself from me — as he ran his fingers over her hair and spoke to her in such a soothing tone it threatened to make me sleepy.
I knew I was marveling, but I had not thought that man existed anymore, but of course, he did for Isa. His daughter. Just as I came alive with merely a thought of her. Anyone who couldn’t unconditionally love their child, an innocent baby, was a true monster. Though it was still a shock to my system seeing that love in him, the man who had just a week ago called himself heartless…and yes, he was when he needed to be, but not with her.
So there went my idea for going behind his back and filing for a divorce. There was a decent possibility that if I filed, the loopholes in Law One would be revoked, and we would be spelled for separation again, which I wouldn’t mind but…Isa. No, I couldn’t do that to her. She deserved to know this man who had already loved her unreservedly.
I jerked realizing King Zeller was staring at me from where he was bent over her. I flared my nostrils, not really knowing how long he had been watching me as I zoned out, but I stated the truth softly, “I won’t divorce you.”
One eyebrow rose. “I know. Just as I won’t divorce you for the same reasoning.” His head dipped, and I saw his predator peek out, his eyes glowing dimly as he stared. In the softest voice, he stated, “Earlier I said that I wouldn’t be nice if you ever attempted to permanently take her away from me, but the truth is, I will kill you.”