Page 173 of Malicent
His other hand shifts roughly, sliding up my ass and lifting me off my feet just enough to unbalance me. Then it settles to my back. He scans the room.
“Did it work?” I prod, keeping my voice hushed.
“It worked,” he confirms. There’s no satisfaction in his voice, only bitterness, which only leaves me confused.
“Okay, well, where is he? Care to share?”
Kalix nods from across the room. So, Cagehasshared something, just not with me. I scowl up at him. The flush of arousal burns with fury.But he can tell Kalix.
“You just grabbed my ass, and I’m right here. Try communicating with me next time.”
“Don’t screech.” He releases me, stepping back and brushing his clothes off, as if ridding himself of contact. The insult only strokes my ire.
“There, by the pillar, use your bloody eyes,” he adds, nodding toward the tall blonde man with green eyes, now being swarmed by guests.
“And touching you?” Cage meets my eyes, his voice turning to steel. “Means nothing. It gives you no power over me—and certainly no right to demand shit from me.”
His words are ice but have little impact.
“Did you expect that to break my heart?” I ask, arching a brow, “Oh, how you wound me.”
I turn and walk away without looking back. I have more interesting prey.
I slip between clusters of nobles. I make sure the lord sees me.
“My lord,” I purr, dipping just low enough to let my breasts crest over the neckline of my gown. Every inch of me is a weapon. Nora taught me that for many years. Men like their women soft, prefer shy, submissive things. I’ve worn those skins before.
“You’re a new face,” he says, offering his hand. I slip mine into his. He seizes the moment to kiss along my knuckles. “I would remember such rare beauty.” His eyes drop to the collar on my neck, then to my breasts.
“You would? I’m honored, my lord. No, we’ve never met.” I offer a sheepish smile, feigning modesty.
“The honor is all mine. What name belongs to you?”
“Millicent.” I bite my bottom lip. His gaze flicks from my mouth to my eyes with an almost poorly veiled interest.
“A name that means strength,” he says admirably. “And who attends you?”
“The captain of the guard—as a chaperone. A girl can’t attend one of these events alone, can she?”
“I’d be shocked if a lady of such finery like you is alone.”
I shrug. “My tastes in company are ...particular, my lord.”
“And do I satisfy any of those tastes?”
Oh, you stupid man.“I don’t know,” I murmur, letting my voice dip into seduction. “How do you taste?”
He pulls me closer. “Would you care to indulge?”
I nod, sliding a hand to his chest. His heartbeat is wild, just as I want it. The crowd parts before him as he moves us quickly to his estate. He ignores every person who dares to speak with him.
We pass Kalix and Cage. Kalix gives a discreet nod while Cage—looks absolutely foul. His irritation crashes against my mental shields like thrown rocks. Not truly trying to get in. He’s being annoying enough just to get under my skin.Prick.
I flash him a quick smile, trying to be smug and triumphant. It falters the moment his magic stings harder. Then, satisfied, he stops. His own large grin spreads lazily as he winks and disappears into the crowd.
Bastard.
The Duke’s home is just as glamorous as his gardens. He’s no minimalist. That’s for sure. Imported silks and exotic leathers cover furniture too elaborate to be native to this city.
