Page 41 of The Court of Secrets
He winced. “He makes you laugh.”
“Yes.” I tilted my head. “I thought we were on good terms now. You sent a treaty.”
“I did.”
My gaze flicked to the bed, then to him. “If we spend too long in my room, people will talk. Cedric will know, and if he finds out you were in here, he will be mad,” I explained. “We can go to my father’s office to discuss.”
“It’s your office now, Winter.”
“Right.” I cleared my throat. “Well, let’s go there.”
A playful grin played on his lips. The Blaise I knew returned. “Or you’re worried if we’re left alone for too long, you’ll kiss me again.”
My cheeks heated. “That was a mistake,” I explained, referring to the last time I’d been in Niferum. Kissing Blaise behind Cedric’s back wasn’t something I’d consider doing again.
He walked toward me, focused, his gaze unrelenting in its invasiveness. I backed against the wall. He leaned his arm against it, trapping me between him and ancient stone. “It wasn’t a mistake for me.”
I swallowed thickly. “I care about you.” I knew he needed to hear it, even if he pretended not to. “But I’m not going to hurt Cedric.”
He leaned down, bringing his lips near to the side of my face. His breath tingled my ear. “Surely you’re bored of your sparkly pet by now.” He traced a finger with his free hand down my cleavage and stopped right above the top of my dress.
I ground my teeth. “He’s not my pet.”
He shrugged again, unmoving in his stance yet edging his body closer to mine. “He acts like it. Like a dog. Always at your side. Haven’t you wondered why? What secrets he holds?” His expression turned venomous.
“Whatisyour problem with him?”
He fell silent. “Ask him. Maybe he’ll tellyou.”
My heart hammered. “So there is a reason for the sudden hate?”
He didn’t divulge. “He’s not good enough for you. Don’t trust him.”
I choked on a laugh. “What and you are good enough?”
“I don’t pretend to be anything other than who I am, and that is far from good, but I did right by you.” His expression dropped. “Yet I was left empty-handed in more ways than one.”
My eyebrows furrowed. “How do you mean?”
“I’m not playing nice anymore, Winter. I risked too much last time.”
My heart felt like lead in my chest. “You’re wrong about Cedric.” I wondered what he meant by being left empty-handed. “Please, Blaise, if he knows you were in here, he’ll think I’m with you. I’m sure he thought it last time.”
“Good. I hope he finds out.” He moved his head down to my neck, brushing his lips against my skin.
Suddenly aware of my racing heart and flushed face, I ducked under his arm. “I hope you’re ready to be serious when we’re in public,” I scolded. “This is unacceptable. I’ve risked a lot having you here.”
“As I have for you. Believe me. I’m only here for one reason.”
“What would that be?”
“To retrieve all that was lost to me.”
“What was lost?”
He looked over my shoulder.
A guard walked in. “Sir Cedric is here to see you.”
