Chapter Twenty Three

                                    

                                          
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Word Count: 1908
                          
~Alaya
                          
"You need to look innocent, so if he does catch you, then you have an excuse saying you simply wandered into his quarters by accident."
                          
The look I'm giving Asher isn't easy to sum up into words. His plan involves me somehow making ig it into Sinful's room undetected, which apparently Asher has never been able to achieve. I've sported the same expression all through lunch, which luckily wasn't questioned. It's one of utter disbelief, with a touch of fear. 
                          
Asher is insane. That's my conclusion. 
                          
Now we stand in my room, with me wearing the most ridiculous dress. It's soft, pretty and the same lavender colour as Sinful's eyes yesterday. Apparently it makes me look innocent, with the flowy skirt that comes out from a small band that wraps tightly around my waist. If I had eaten a bite more at lunch, I doubt I would be fitting in this right now. 
                          
"I still don't understand," I exclaim, folding my arms over my chest. My breasts slightly show over the top of the fabric. "There is clearly more risk than reward here."
                          
"We know little of what Sinful likes, or typically fills his time with, when he isn't working," Asher says firmly, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes. As curious as I am to find this out, there is no use being found in his room. I have no choice though, it seems. Asher needs this for the mission, to give information back to Fate and Aspen. 
                          
And it will help me, no doubt. 
                          
"And if I get caught? What if he sends me off?" I question. Sinful is out right now, apparently dealing with business in a nearby village that Asher didn't need to cover. According to Asher, it gives us a perfect amount of time to get this done. 
                          
"He won't, trust me."
                          
I give him a deadpan look. "I thought we have been through this, you haven't given me any reason to trust you-"
                          
He takes a step forward, which ceases my talking. His proximity is not wanted, however, I'm not about to take a step back. The fresh, jasmine scent surrounds me; a scent I don't think I will ever forget. Everytime he steps forward, I'm able to see a little more into his eyes, each time I gaze closer, I notice a difference fiery golden streak around his pupil. It's an enchanting sight. 
                          
"There may be many things I don't yet understand about Sinful, but I've seen the way he looks at you. Already. I don't know how you managed it, but he cares for you now. You're like his little project," Asher says softly. 
                          
I frown. "I haven't even tried. If it's working so well, then why try find out more? Why try fit me in with Sinful, make me seem just like him."
                          
"He likes himself. This way, he will find more room for you," Asher reminds me. 
                          
A dark part of me feels bad about this entire plan. Not just that I'm violating his personal space, but because he hasn't given me a reason to do this. Not only haven't I seen or witnessed what everyone has told me, but I haven't felt it either. I don't say that though. Asher doesn't believe I can do this as it is, and I need to get back to my old life. 
                          
"Fine, but you're keeping look out for when he returns," I mutter, brushing past him. He snags my dress sleeve, getting my attention. 
                          
"Thank you," he breathes, "for doing this."