Fated by Sarah Fine

She had no idea how far they traveled, only that a moment later they appeared in her office. He let go of her immediately and stepped back. His dark, slashing brows were low, his mouth hard. Was he angry at her? Their attraction had been mutual—hadn’t it been?
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “Now what?”
    “Now I deal with the Shade-Kere, and you deal with your board. Then we meet with the Keepers and ask for their aid in dealing with the threat. Even if they refuse, we may be able to buy enough time to find Eris and the others before they can reach their goal.”
    A quiet laugh escaped from her, despite the ache inside. “This time, you’re the one making it sound simple.”
    “At the moment, simple is the best I can do.” He paused, his arms hanging loose at his sides, elegant and dangerous. “Aislin, I regret blurring the boundaries of our business relationship. You have my apologies.”
    “I apologize as well. I suppose the stress got to me momentarily, as you so helpfully pointed out.”
    He looked away. “I will update you when we’ve dealt with the threat to the city.”
    By then, I might not be Charon anymore. He might be giving his updates to Hugh. She might be mortal. She might be dead . Suddenly, she wanted to be in his arms again, to ask him to carry some of this burden of fear and worry. But he clearly had no interest in doing any such thing, and he had more than enough to deal with already. “Very well. Good luck.”
    “Luck is for mortals,” he said, vanishing.
    She turned away, furious at the sting of tears in her eyes. He was right—what a ridiculous distraction. She couldn’t waste whatever time she had left fantasizing about Jason Moros, his devastating kisses, and his fiery hands as they slid across her skin. She had to try to bring some of the board members back to her side. She needed to call Cavan and ask him to be ready to bring the voice and favor of the Lucinae to the table. She had to be at her best, even though fatigue was making her head swim. She hadn’t slept in nearly two days.
    “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” she whispered, then jumped at the sound of sharp laughter.
    It hadn’t come from her.
    She looked over at her desk to find Rylan sitting there, feet up. “Your guards are still busy downstairs, lucky for them.” He gave her a bland smile. “You look so tired, Aislin. Rough day?”
    Hatred boiled up, hot enough to pour strength into her muscles and keep her upright. “Father would be so ashamed of you. I know I am.”
    “But he always respected people who got things done. How do you think he’d feel about what you’ve accomplished today? Humans meant to live long lives are being slaughtered in the streets, and you’re about to be voted out, a disgrace. I think he would be ashamed of you .”
    She looked away before she could stop herself, and Rylan laughed. “You always cared so much about what he thought of you.”
    “You say that as if it’s a bad thing.” She tensed as she heard his shoes moving along the floor toward her. She’d never been afraid of Rylan . . . until now.
    “It’s a weakness to care what anyone thinks of you,” he said. “And it’s always been one of yours. It’s held you back in so many ways. It’s the reason why I always beat you.”
    That brought her eyes back to his. “Did you?” she snapped. “Are you sure?”
    He grimaced and took a step closer. “Any victory you might have claimed was pathetically temporary. And look at us now. Who would you say has the upper hand?”
    Her fingers rose to her Scope. “Morally or physically?”
    “Morally?” Rylan chuckled. “Oh, Aislin.” His eyes flashed red before he disappeared—and reappeared right in front of her.
    She forced herself not to take a step back. “Get out of my office.”
    He grinned. “As you wish.” He grabbed her arm and jerked her into the Veil, buffeting her with frigid air and burning wind before throwing her down roughly.
    Aislin landed