Page 118 of Peasants and Kings
“To question the intruder.”
Adrenaline pumped into my bloodstream and I was instantly alert and rolled onto my back, hiking the comforter up to cover myself.
A lot had transpired between us during the night. Hadrian was now dressed, his masculine form concealed. His expression was blank, and his eyes were clear.
“When I get back, we’re going to talk,” he said.
“Talk,” I repeated. “About what? Didn’t we talk last night?”
“There are still some things that need to be dealt with.”
“Such as?”
“Your employment status with The Rex, for one.”
“And?”
“Later. We’ll talk later.”
He leaned over the bed again and settled his lips on mine. He tasted minty and fresh, and I wondered how long he’d been awake—or if he’d even slept at all.
Hadrian pulled back, taking his warmth with him. The sensual haze remained.
“I’m afraid to leave you,” he admitted.
“Why?”
His gaze was steady. “Don’t come to your senses, please.”
I frowned. “It’s too early for word play.”
“You’re going to start thinking,” he stated. “As soon as I’m gone, you’ll start reevaluating everything.”
I took a moment to study him. “Areyoureevaluating everything?”
Hadrian stilled. “Damn right I am.” My heart fell, until he continued, “I’m a selfish prick who should put you on the helicopter right now, but I can’t bring myself to do it.”
I beamed at him.
“Why are you grinning at me?” he asked.
“Some things are worth the risk, Hadrian.”
“Your life isn’t something I can risk.” He cradled my head and kissed me hard. “Don’t come to your senses,” he said again when he pulled away. “I’ll be back in a few hours. We’ll talk about everything then.”
I nodded and Hadrian released me and then stalked from the bedroom. The drapes were pulled back from the balcony doors and even though the sky was gray, it seemed like the storm had passed. I thought about going back to sleep, but my mind had kicked into gear.
I got out of bed and threw on a pair of navy-blue silk pajamas and then I went into the bathroom and put in my contacts. I slid on my slippers and then padded my way out into the hallway and down to the kitchen.
Ingrid was perched at the counter, sitting with her hands wrapped around a mug of coffee. It was still hot, and steam curled up around her faintly creased face. She looked pensive and didn’t move when I came in. Only when I stood in her line of sight did she finally look up.
“Eden—er, Sterling,” she corrected. Her face was awash with horror. “How are you? Hadrian told me about…I can’t believe—”
I placed my hand on her arm to stop her stumbling speech. “I’m fine. We’re fine.” I went to the cabinet to retrieve a mug. “When did you learn my real name?”
“This morning. Hadrian explained who you are. Your Rex affiliation.”
I thought about being embarrassed, but then I realized it was useless. We’d met how we’d met, and there was no use lamenting the fact that you couldn’t change your history.
