Page 83 of Quest for her Knights
Chapter twenty-six
Elora
Itry to listen to everything the lords say, but my mind is still in turmoil. Part of me wants to run away. The thought of being around the knights makes me anxious, angry, and heartbroken all at once. But I’m a coward and have little confidence in my ability to survive this world, and I don’t want to die.
After I heard what Ranger really thought of me, I cried some more, then decided I needed to make things work with these lords. I didn’t know who was left to see, but these guys didn’t seem to have any red flags.
There didn’t seem to be a spark, but I did find them attractive. Sometimes a spark takes time to grow, like a friends-to-lovers book. My least favorite trope, after enemies-to-lovers, but it works in romance books, which means it could work in real life.
Maybe each of these lords could fit my desire for different energy. I’d already pegged Rafe as the golden retriever, but I wasn’t sure about any of the others yet. They just seemed like your standard well-rounded guys: kind, pleasant enough to talk to (if not slightly boring), and attractive enough to get away with being normal. Maybe they were amazing in bed.
But it’s not an image of them in my bed that comes to mind. My eyes move to Draven, who’s been staring at me all night. Even at dinner, he was watching me more than the room. Now that we’re back in the parlor, he’s positioned himself in front of me again, and it infuriates me that I can’t stop myself from constantly glancing at him.
I haven’t seen Arrow or Ranger since earlier, and I’m glad, at least about Ranger. I’m not sure I could face him right now. I’m angry and embarrassed. The way he views me as some silly little girl with a crush on the older man tasked with protecting her… I hate that I showed him so much of my feelings toward him and about myself in general.
Maybe if I choose these lords to marry, I’ll feel like I can face him again, knowing that at leasttheywant to be with me, even if it may only be because of my title.
“Elora? Are you all right?”
“Hmm? What?” I glance around, realizing I’d zoned out again, something I’ve been doing all evening.
“I asked if you were feeling okay. You had a strange look on your face.”
“I apologize. I promise I’m normally more attentive than this, it’s just been a long day.”
“Would you like to go to your rooms now?” Kael asks.
I glance at Draven, but the thought of being locked back in my suite with the knights isn’t something I’m ready for just yet.
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “I want to keep chatting with you all.”
They seem pleased with my answer and relax back into their seats. Darian stands and refreshes our glasses of wine. When he sits back down beside me, he sits closer than before, his leg pressed against mine.
I glance up at him and he smiles, then gently places his hand on my thigh as he watches me for approval. I give him a small smile back, telling him it’s okay, and his fingers relax.
There’s still no spark, but there is attraction. Maybe to get over the knights, I need to get under someone else. Not literally, but there isn’t anything wrong with a kiss, is there?
I lick my lips and try not to picture Draven instead of Darian as I look at him.
“I hope it’s not out of line for me to say this, but you are the most exquisite woman I’ve ever met,” Darian says quietly as his thumb gently moves over my thigh.
“Really?” I ask. “Have you met many women?”
He leans closer to answer so only I can hear. “Let’s just say, in answer to your earlier question, no, I’m not a virgin. Not even close.”
My eyes widen in surprise. “So you’d say you’re… experienced then?” I bite my lip nervously as my stomach does somersaults. I wish that I wanted him to kiss me, but my heart and gut seem to disagree, so much so that I’m afraid if he tries to kiss me, I might vomit on him.
“If you’re worried about being satisfied, I assure you that you have nothing to worry about. I can be extremely generous, if you know what I mean.”
Well, shit. This conversation got dirty really quick. It’s my own fault for being so outspoken earlier. Normally I’d love this sort of banter, but it’s not him I want it with.
I just nod, unsure what to say or how to change the subject at this point.
“All day I’ve been wondering… do your lips feel as soft as they look?”
My stomach clenches in unease as he leans toward me, his hand moves up to my neck and I internally freak out. His eyes close as he leans closer. I try to pull my head back, but his hand holds me still. Just before his lips connect with mine, a large, calloused hand slides between us.
I glance up and realize it’s Draven’s hand, pressed against my lips. Darian pulls back in surprise, but my eyes stay glued to Draven. I warned him not to interrupt me again, and I don’t sense any danger here, not the life-threatening kind, anyway.
