“Who arethey?” I asked, biting my lip.
“Fine, you caught me. It’s just me that says that.” He was shameless, and I was smitten. Even his terrible jokes caused a stupid grin to spread across my face. I didn’t recognize myself around him.
I wasn’t sure what had changed, but his guard was down today. He hadn’t flirted with me like this in weeks… Ihatedthat I loved it so much. All logic, all sense of pride,vanishedwhen he looked my way.
Our conversation ran dry. I was paralyzed; the tension between us had pinned me in place. I felt like a preserved butterfly that had been stabbed and mounted on the wall.
I pictured him leading me back behind a stack of books, pushing me against one of the shelves. I could almost feel his lips against my skin as they traveled down my neck and continued…
down…
down…
“There you are!” Isla announced herself, coming from behind a pillar, book in hand. She looked stunning in a flowing white dress that made her look even moreFaerie Princessthan usual.
“I found what I was looking for. Are you ready to leave?” She stopped short when she saw me. “Oh, I apologize. I didn’t see you there.” She looked down at me… at my dirty clothes and frizzy hair. I shriveled beneath her hard stare. “What have you been rolling in?” Her nostrils flared as she stifled a laugh.
“I just finished training with Louis.” I lifted my chin high, trying to will the rising heat in my cheeks to stop.
“Training for what? It looks like you’ve just mucked out the entire stable.”
I glared at her, daring her to say another word. I was tempted to threaten to send her to another world—one where there was no oxygen. “It doesn’t concern you,” I said, turning away from her. “Galen, am I free to look for books or do I need an escort?”
His eyes were sparkling with mischief.Of course he was enjoying this. “Go ahead, I’ll wait for you right here.”
I left without another glance towards either of them, walking as fast as my sore legs would carry me.
I could hear Isla speaking to Galen as I moved away from them. “Why do you have to wait forher? I thought we were going to take a walk aroundthe gardens.” Isla’s shrill voice echoed through the silent library and this time it was me holding back a giggle.
I selected a few books, then meandered, taking my time returning to the Prince and his future bride. I browsed the romance section, but the novel I wanted wasn’t there. Raf still had my book and had been conveniently absent as of late. He’d taken it right when the enemies were about to become lovers, and I’d never forgive him for it.
When I found Galen, Isla was gone. “Where did she go?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
“I told her I’d see her at dinner—that you were acompletemenaceand needed to be watched like a hawk.” He came closer, tugging on my loose braid. My stomach fluttered in response.
“How is training going?” he asked, taking my books from me and flipping through them. I tried to focus on his question instead of his beautiful bone structure, but my brain felt full of cotton when he was near.
“Well enough. I’m getting faster, but so is Louis. Eventually, I’ll be less out of shape. And he’ll have it coming...” I trailed off as he began to inch closer.
“I’ve seen you naked. I wouldn’t describe you as out of shape. In fact, I’d be very sad to see any of your curves go.” I suddenly felt uncomfortably hot.Flirt.
“Someone may hear you!” I whispered.
He looked around the empty library. “I’ll take my chances.” He set my reading material down on the table and took my hand as he led me towards the rows of books.
“Where are we going?” I asked as my heart began to race.
He remained silent until he pulled me behind a tall shelf. “How anyone can lookso goodcovered in sweat and filth is beyond me,” he murmured. He leaned down and kissed me, stealing the very breath from my lungs. Before I had a chance to gasp for air, his hand was up my shirt. My heart exploded as his fingers grazed delicate skin.
“Galen… th-this is a public place. We might be caught. Plus… I thought we’d decided that this is a bad idea.” My voice, my entire body, was quivering.
He paused, while his hand rested under my shirt. He cupped my breast, gently rubbing circles around my peaked nipple as he stared into my eyes. He gave me another deep kiss, leaving me panting before he answered. “I was in a dark place. I didn’t want to bring you into that. But that hasn’t stopped me from wanting you. I’m beginning to think Ineedyou like a long winter needs the first bloom of spring.”
A lump formed in my throat. I couldn’t breathe. “What about Isla?”
He frowned down at me. “I’ve told you, she’s my mother’s choice. Youknowwho my choice is.”
“Have they made you… hurt anyone else?” I couldn’t look at him, but I had to know.
