Page 26 of #Resort Love
“Good girl,” Ambrose hummed, gently patting my arm. For a moment, his approval had me fighting a smile, and I cursed myself for letting his words have that effect on me. “Now tell me, what did you learn about the palace yesterday?”
The tightness in my shoulders eased, and I flashed him a quick grin. “I learned that every hallway looks almost the same.” I laughed shyly. “But I was able to find enough small differences to help me learn my way around. Like the hall thatleads to the library from my room has a small crack in the marble near the entrance of the hall.”
Frowning, Ambrose hummed a low tone of disapproval, but kept his face masked with an earnest interest. I knew his disapproval wasn’t toward me, but it didn’t stop me from wanting to apologize.
The rest of the walk through the palace was silent. Ambrose’s mind seemed to be elsewhere, and I kept my breathing as steady as I could, tension wracking my body at the thought of upsetting him. However, when we stepped onto the street outside the palace gates, Ambrose’s body relaxed as he breathed in the fresh air and took in the street around us.
“I noticed when you came to the library that you carried your books. I think the first thing we should do is find a bag for you to carry your things.” His eyes brightened as if another idea came to mind. “Ah, I’ve got it,” he purred, moving back a step and slowly sliding his gaze down my body and back up again, making my face feel warm. “We will go on a little shopping spree, and then we shall get something to eat and reenergize ourselves before seeing the sights of the city. How does that sound?”
“I think it sounds like too much,” I laughed. His excitement melted away any strain that had been there before. “I don’t have any money, and I have clothes that fit well enough.”
“Nonsense,” Ambrose exclaimed, stepping close enough to me that I could feel the heat from his powerful body. “Though that tunic does fit you well,” he drawled, his smile turning wicked, “you need something worthy of your new status within the palace. Something that not only shows off those delicious curves of yours, but also lets others know that you're not just acommoner.”
My cheeks flushed at his deep, sensuous voice and I shifted,trying to put some distance between us. The way he had said commoner, like it was a disgraceful thing to be seen as one, didn’t sit right with me. It was easy to lose myself in the pleasing timbre of his voice, easy to let that sound slide across my skin like velvet, but him saying commoner as an insult made me feel wary. “According to everyone in the palace, that’s exactly what I am,” I muttered, my stomach twisting. “A commoner.”
“Not anymore.” Ambrose smiled sinfully.
Chapter 15
Sybil
Not anymore? My brows knitted together, waiting for Ambrose to explain.
“As of today, you were added to my court, which makes you one of us and in need of attire worthy of that.”
I blinked, unable to think of words—any words—to say. Ambrose laughed at the shock that took over my face. That wariness doubled when Ambrose’s pleasant smile widened as if he did me some incredible favor. Those warning bells screamed for me to go back to the palace, to the safety of Samian’s presence. Noticing my discomfort, Ambrose pulled me closer until my body rested against his, and I could feel every hard muscle beneath his shirt.
I swallowed a gasp as a surge of warming comfort rushed through me, traveling low in my stomach as he tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. The unease I had felt quickly vanished and my brows furrowed, but Ambrose grinned, and my apprehension melted away. Ambrose turned to the street, his eyes searching for where we should start first. Once he found thestore, he tugged me along while my mind swam at how quickly I had relaxed from his touch.
Ambrose didn’t stop pulling me along until we reached a little shop that smelled of musk and leather. Opening the door, Ambrose gestured for me to enter. Beautiful leather bags, boots, and other leathered goods lined the walls and tables. My eyes widened as I walked to a dark brown bag. My fingers ran over the floral designs etched into the soft leather. I had never seen anything like it.
“Do you like that one?” Ambrose murmured, leaning in close enough that his breath brushed against my neck.
My body trembled, my face heating at his nearness. Nodding, I looked away, not wanting him to see the flush creeping up my neck.
Ambrose called over the attendant, handing him the bag while we walked around the shop. I found a smaller bag that matched the one I found earlier, along with a pair of black leather boots that I could wear during training or when I traveled out of the palace. As the attendant boxed my items, Ambrose made me wait by the door while he paid the owner.
Once he was finished, Ambrose took my hand, holding it tightly as we made our way across the street to the next shop. Ambrose held the door open for me again, giving me a gentle smile. The shop turned out to be a boutique, and my eyes widened at the different colors of fabrics that filled the shop. Mannequins lined the far left wall, displaying different types of dresses—some with full skirts, while others were fitted to show off the lines of the person who wore it. Each one was beautiful and splendid.
A female attendant excitedly rushed toward us, her eyes wide and eager, ready to help Ambrose with all his needs while ignoringme completely. Rolling my eyes, I exhaled and walked to the fabrics closest to us while Ambrose discussed what he was looking for in hushed tones. I glanced over to them when the attendant giggled, finding Ambrose sliding a finger gently down her arm. Swallowing, my stomach twisted, and I walked in further, hoping the yards of fabric would block the view. Spotting a reel of beautiful dark green silk, I rubbed my thumb across the smooth top before letting it glide across my hand, falling back into place.
“That color would look amazing on you,” Ambrose murmured softly behind me, his voice deep and luxurious.
Gasping, I turned around, meeting his gaze, my heart beating wildly against my chest. My eyes narrowed and my lips rose in a small playful smile. “Do you do this with all the ladies of your court?” I teased, though I secretly hoped he would say no.
Ambrose laughed and stepped closer, his face bright. “No, I don’t do this with all the ladies of my court. Just the ones that interest me,” he purred.
I lifted my chin and studied him—the lines of his jaw, his lips, the way his eyes shone in the light, looking like the deepest ocean. “Do I interest you?” It sounded like a challenge, I realized, but I refused to back down, especially when his smile turned downright lethal.
“I find you incredibly interesting.”
Heat curled low in my stomach, and I could hardly breathe. The fire that glowed in his eyes felt so intense that I had to look away. Turning back to the fabric, I slid my hand across it. “I love colors like this,” I said, changing the subject, trying to ignore the weight of his stare. “Darker colors feel comforting, like they match who I am, if that makes sense.”
“They pair well with certain nighttime activities, as well,”Ambrose drawled, sliding his heavy hand down the side of my waist.
My breath hitched, heat pooling low in my stomach. How long had it been since I’d felt this warmth? With Liam, it was nothing more than a comfort, a way to pass the time. It was something I just went along with because I knew how much he wanted it. But Ambrose’s touch made me feel awake. It made me want to feel more. I opened my mouth—to say what, I wasn’t sure—just as the attendant appeared, telling us a room was ready to take my measurements. Any heat I felt was quickly doused.
Following the attendant to the room, I paused, looking back to Ambrose, who lingered at the deep green silk. His hand ran over the delicate fabric, lost in thought. The woman cleared her throat again, annoyed at my dawdling. With one last look at Ambrose, I pushed any emotions I felt for him down and quickly made my way to the room.
