Page 63 of Shadows and Roses

"I was hoping you’d say that." That intense, breathless tone clenched his heart. There had been more than one infatuated client who thought they wanted something beyond the contract. Most were only interested in his exclusive services, something she hadn’t even asked for.

What was he doing? He wasn’t modest. He knew the body intimately, could make his clients scream in pleasure. Emotions he manipulated with ease—in the bedroom, for the purpose of pleasure. He’d never wanted—needed—to prove himself to a client before.

She wasn’t a client. Thankfully.

Her lips parted again. "I… want you, too. I would’ve asked earlier, but… I hated the thought of invoking your contract, of pressuring you in any way. I’m sorry if I seemed uninterested. I didn’t know how to approach you."

Laughter rose in his chest, swallowed down at her entirely serious tone and expression.

Remarkable.

Her open and beautiful honesty strummed at his heart. He’d think about his insanity later. Right now, he wanted to explore this woman who didn’t care that he was a courtesan except that it would make her advances seem ingenuine, who handled a court of snakes on a daily basis but wasn’t sure how not to offend a bed servant.

He leaned back into her lips, his hand running up her stomach to the underside of a breast. Her soft moan and arch pressed her breast into his hand.

"Do you want to know what to say to me?" he murmured into her neck. She nipped his ear and made an agreeable sound.

"Be honest." He kissed her collarbone.

"Show me you mean what you say." He licked between her breasts.

"Dance with me into exhaustion like you did today." His tongue swirled and fluttered over sensitive skin.

A claw hooked his chin and tugged him back to her lips. After a breathless kiss, she sighed contentedly. "You are the most beautiful man I’ve ever met, and your presence somehow comforts me. I can sense when you walk into a room and I want to smile when I see you. Sometimes I do anyways."

He had asked for honesty, and she gave it. Pleasant warmth filled his chest. He was going to do terribly delightful things to her, beginning with—

A knock on her door and a cough.

"My apologies," her captain called out.

Castien growled at the door.

"The chamberlain is asking for you. Urgently."

She rolled her eyes. "Can’t Vern deal with her?"

"The steward is handling the court, my Queen." Was that a hint of reproach in Jerome’s voice?

Castien raised an eyebrow.

She grinned, then sighed. "I’ll be out in a minute."

Firm footsteps stepped out. Castien snuck in another kiss even while she pushed his chest away with one hand and pulled his hips closer with the other. Eventually, he toppled onto the bed, letting her escape.

She pointed at him. "Stay right there. I’ll return soon."

He laughed. "Was that honesty?"

She grumbled while throwing on some clothes. "Ugh. Fine. You’re welcome in my chambers for the night. I’ll try to return soon."

"I can do that. Have fun." He winked at her, dodging the sock tossed at his face.

Anais

"It is still officially my birthday, Jerome. What is so urgent?"

Her captain bowed his head, speaking as they walked. "The Nadraken spy wasn’t alone. Lady Lyrroth was accosted on the way to her chambers, her keys stolen. The keys were recovered before they were used, and the thief is in our dungeons."

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