“Careful, with your snooping, pet, you might find something you don’t like.”
Something I don’t like…Oh. Unfortunately, I already know exactly what he’s referencing. That colorfully illustrated book stashed under his mattress. I curse my flushing face as his grows more predatory, smirk transforming into a flash of teeth. “Found that too, did you?”
“I…don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Hmm, or maybe I’m wrong and you did see something you liked?”
I groan and push past him. “Why are you such a—“ I break off, shaking my head.
“Thought you didn’t know what I was talking about?”
“I don’t,” I say haughtily.
His answering laugh reverberates down the hallway. “Such a what? A wolf? I’m not.”
“If you say so,” I say with a dubious expression.
“I’m not a wolf.”
I let out a soft snort, and the next thing I know, he’s positioning himself in front of me again to block my path. “Have you seen any women in my bed lately?” He quirks a brow and nods his head in my direction. “Aside from you?”
This conversation is delving into dangerous territory, and my heart picks up pace. “I'm not exactly keeping track, but I suppose that depends on your definition of lately.” It wasn’t reallythatlong ago, considering.
His smile fades into something solemn. “I don’t like being told what to do. Or who.”
I look past him with a casual shrug. “Well, I’m not telling you what to do. Do whatever…or whoever you like,” I say, the words like a bitter bile on my tongue.
“Really?”
“Yeah, of course.”
“If only it were that simple,” he says softly.
My heart palpitates. That’s not what he’s talking about… “But you’re a prince,” I say mockingly. “Thought you didn’t even have to try.”
“I’ll admit I’m not very practiced in trying.”
My face flushes and I sidestep him. I’m reading into things that aren’t there. I know Vera thinks so…but he’s probably like this with everyone.
However, the thought of him bringing women back to his bed…now, after everything, twists my stomach into knots. I don’t want to have to bear witness to that. Or hear it. I make a face. “Elsewhere would be preferable.”
He muffles a groan behind his palm that turns into a soft chuckle. “You’re frustrating.”
My brows pucker. Was that an overstep for me to ask that of him? I’m already subjected to a life behind these walls. I don’t think I should have to be subjected tothat. I cross my arms over my chest as he unlocks the chamber door, and we slip inside. “Is that really too much to ask? I’m kind of stuck in here, you know. I don’t have anywhere else to be. You can go anywhere.”
He looks more weary than anything as he turns to face me. “What? No, pet. I’m not going to fuck anyone here…or elsewhere.”
“Oh.” Relief washes over me.
“No dragons either, I swear.” He says it so earnestly a giggle bursts free and he grins. “Or any other creatures, if you’re going to ask.”
“Wait,” I breathe, eyes wide. “Have you…with any other creatures?”
His face twists with incredulity. “What kind of person do you think I am?”
I shrug. “How should I know?”
“Youshouldknow!”
