Page 38 of Her Dark Promise

I could feel Callum staring at me.

“Go on, little bird. Ask me.”

Looking me up and down with hunger in his eyes, this man would never be satiated, and neither could I; we were a perfect fit.

“I do not have any right to ask you to explain yourself. I am yours to do with as you please. And that includes fucking you where ever and in front of whomever you wish.” He moved to stand right in front of me. “I belong to you.”

I reached out to touch his face, and he leaned his head into my hand. “You would do anything for me, wouldn’t you?”

He reached out to me, wrapping his arms around my body, hands roaming over my heated skin. He pressed his hips into me to show me just how ready he still was for me.

“I would lay down my life for you. You are my salvation. There is nothing I would not do for you.”

He dragged his hands back up my body and caressed my face. There was that look in his eyes. A look that proved that his words were true.

He swallowed as his eyes looked down at my mouth. He then slightly leaned in but stopped at remembering the rules. He was never to kiss me. It was too intimate, and made me too vulnerable. I would never again be weak.

I gave him a short nod, staring at him for another moment before walking past him and into the bath.

Chapter eight

“Your majesty, can I get you anything else?” Emilia was sitting next to me, looking completely uncomfortable.

I had decided to have breakfast outside today because everyone needed the fresh air, especially Emilia. She would still be locked in her chambers if I hadn’t ordered her to come outside. I worried about her and at the very least wanted to keep a better eye on her. I didn’t want what happened to ever happen again and her staying locked in her room was a recipe for disaster.

I leaned forward to pluck a grape off of the small table next to my chaise lounge that I made Callum bring outside. From the back, one could see for miles and miles and miles. Sometimes I loved to sit out here and pretend that everything was normal and that I could venture out into those rolling green hills to see what lies beyond.

But I couldn’t.

I plopped another grape into my mouth. “Just relax for a moment, Emilia. There is no one to impress by keeping the castle clean. No royals to entertain. No musicians to play myfavorite songs as I dance the night away with different males vying for my attention. No one. So sit back and relax.”

She quieted down after that. I think my tone may have come out too harshly, but she was ruining the joyous mood I was trying to create. I sighed as I pinched off a piece of freshly bakedkouign amannand ate it, savoring its sugary taste.

I settled my attention back on the scenery as my mind wandered to the hunter in the tower. He was not what I expected, though I didn’t know what to expect.

That’s not true.

You’re right. I did know what to expect. I was going to kill him and be done with it and now,I replied.

Then kill him.

You know I can’t.I was growing more agitated.

Your sister is dead.

Don’t speak of her. Not you.

She continued as if she didn’t hear me.Your promise to her means nothing.

“I have grown tired of you. Leave.” I could hear rustling beside me, and found Emilia standing to leave.

I must have spoken the words aloud and calmed my tone, “I didn’t mean you. Sit.”

I could see that she was conflicted about what to do. Whenever I began to talk to myself both Callum and Emilia would leave me to my thoughts. They had no idea that I was speaking with my dead governess, and I’d never tell them. It was devastating enough knowing I’d never be able to fully get rid of her.

Even in death, she was a constant companion, no matter how much I loathed her.

A constant companion? How sweet. I think we deserve each other, don’t you?I could hear the disdain in her tone.

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