Total pages in book: 163
Estimated words: 152616 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 763(@200wpm)___ 610(@250wpm)___ 509(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152616 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 763(@200wpm)___ 610(@250wpm)___ 509(@300wpm)
“Really?” Doubt filled his tone as he looked up at me.
“He used his fingers and I my hand.” The all-too-clear memory of that thickened my voice and my blood. “That was all.”
“Well, that is somewhat disappointing.”
A laugh bubbled out of me, drawing his sea-green gaze. “I’m sorry. It’s just that you seem genuinely disappointed.”
“I am.” A small smile appeared as he kneaded my skin. “I don’t like that you spend so many nights alone.”
Neither did I, but . . . “I enjoyed myself.”
“Good.” His attention once more returned to my chest. If he could spend the rest of his life fucking breasts, he’d be a happy man.
My gaze dropped to his groin, and I could see he was semi-aroused. I could reach for him. Touch him for at least a little bit before he’d stop me. He was obviously in some sort of playful mood this morning. I could guide him into me, urge him to take me right here on his desk. It wouldn’t be the first time, but . . .
Neither of us really wanted it from the other. Other than the breasts, I wasn’t his type. He preferred lighter hair and slimmer frames, even when it came to the men. And me? I wasn’t sure what my type was. There was nothing in any particular trait of a man or woman I fancied more than another.
Still, if I reached for him, he wouldn’t reject me. Not just because I was a warm body. I did know Claude’s intentions. He would give me what I wanted because he wished he could give me more.
But that seemed like too much effort, and for what? A few seconds of pleasure easily forgotten.
And gods, wasn’t that telling? Especially when seeking pleasure was as common as one who sought to quench a thirst?
“Did you learn of anything else?” Claude asked, catching my attention.
My thoughts raced. Claude likely expected that I had learned more about the Prince than why he was here. He knew exactly what I could ferret out of an individual. “He hasn’t created a Rae in a long time,” I said, the first thing that popped to my mind.
“Well, that’s unexpected,” he commented, drawing his thumb back over the tip of my breast.
I nodded. “And he’s also searching for something— or was.”
Claude’s touch stilled. “What?”
“He was searching for something he . . . he believed that another Hyhborn had information on,” I said slowly, relying fully on what the Prince had shared with me.
Light blue-green eyes met mine. “Do you know who he was looking for?”
I shook my head. “That I couldn’t read from him.”
His lashes lowered, and he was quiet for several moments. “The Prince of Vytrus rode out this morning at dawn,” Claude said, running his hands over my breasts once more, and then his hands went to the table, beside mine. “He told one of the guards he’d be back by supper. I figure that is when he plans to discuss things with me.”
I searched myself for a hint of disappointment over him ceasing to touch me and found nothing but apathy. I didn’t want that. I wanted to find more. “Do you wish to inspect anywhere else, like between my thighs, for signs of the Prince’s brutality?”
Claude snorted. “Maybe later. I’m expected to join the Bower brothers.”
The Bowers were a pair of aristo sons who were as often reckless as the Baron. I really hoped he planned on keeping his mind clear.
“I want you with me when he does speak with me.”
My stomach dipped. “Why?”
“Because I want to make sure he is telling me everything,” he said, fixing the lace on my bodice. “And that he has no ill intentions when it comes to his presence.”
Shit.
I would be as much help to him as a crystal ball. He stepped back, and I slipped from the desk. The gown pooled against the floor as panic threatened to spiral.
“I’ll have Hymel summon you when he returns, so stay close.” He bent, kissing my cheek. “I’ll see you later.”
I stood motionless as Claude strolled out of the study, and I remained there for several moments. “Fuck,” I moaned, letting my head fall back.
“No, thank you.”
My head jerked upward and twisted toward the sound of Hymel’s voice.
He stood in the open doorway, the ever-present smirk plastered across his features. “I’m sure my cousin already took care of that for you today.” He paused. “Then again, that would’ve been unimpressively quick.”
Rolling my eyes, I ignored him as I headed toward the door.
Hymel didn’t move. “What did he want to talk to you about in private?” he demanded. “Was it about Prince Rainer?”
I stopped then, but I didn’t respond.
“He just asked me in the hall to send a message to the Prince of Primvera requesting to meet but wouldn’t tell me why,” Hymel said.