She let her palm press lightly to his chest, feeling the steady, strong beat beneath her touch.
“That was…” she started, her voice softer now. “A pleasant diversion." She tilted her chin up, meeting his gaze. “I am most grateful, Deyric.”
His lips curved. “And you’d like another spanking?”
Her mouth parted, ready to argue, but then she thought better of it. Instead, she let a slow, mischievous grin spread across her lips. “I might just.”
Deyric stilled, his teasing expression faltering for just a breath before his hand snapped to her waist, yanking her against him. His mouth crashed into hers, stealing whatever triumphant retort she might have had left, his kiss hot and consuming.
And just as her fingers dug into his shoulders, just as she leaned into him, the wall creaked and shifted. The hidden door swung open, revealing Jenni, arms folded, and one brow arched sky-high as she took in the scene.
“Well,” the cook drawled. “I suppose I’ll have extra linens to wash before the ball.” Jenni squinted into the dimly lit corridor, her small form silhouetted against the torchlight filtering in from the main hall. “Is that you, Emmaline?”
Emmaline stiffened, her face heating instantly. “Um… yes.” Her voice came out a little too high.
Jenni’s tiny nose wrinkled, her eyes narrowing. “And why does my storeroom smell like… I don’t know… definitely not like grain or rice?”
Deyric gave a low scoff, utterly unbothered, while Emmaline choked, pulling away from him as she mumbled something about dusty linens and poor ventilation.
“Right.” Jenni gave her a flat look before waving a dismissive hand. “Anyway, Lord Greymane’s been looking for you. Something about finalizing a contract for Lady Isolde.”
Emmaline’s stomach lurched, the reminder of reality hitting like a slap to the face. “I should go, then.” She looked down the hall toward Lord Greymane’s study, already plotting the fastest route there—one that didn’t involve any more awkward encounters.
Jenni, however, paused, her gaze flicking between Emmaline and Deyric. Then her eyes widened. “Oh. Ohhh, I see!”
Emmaline’s face burned hotter, but before she could shut it down, Jenni turned to Deyric, arms crossing over her chest.
“Really? She’s a little skinny, don’t you think?”
Deyric let out another unrepentant snort while Emmaline spluttered, “Hey!”
“I like her just fine, Jenni, though I appreciate your concern.” He pulled Emmaline back against him, one arm curling easily around her waist.
The contact was grounding, claiming, and far too… public. Her body tensed, but the way his fingers splayed against her hip still sent a shiver down her spine.
His voice dipped lower, meant only for her. “When and where can we continue this conversation?”
Jenni clapped her hands together, letting out a delighted squeal. “Oh my! Love is in the air!”
“Shhhh, woman,” Deyric groaned, raising a hand in exasperation.
But when his gaze turned back to Emmaline, there was no teasing left. His expression cooled into something more serious beneath the playfulness.
Love?Emmaline’s breath caught, her hands wringing together, suddenly feeling exposed now that they were out of the dark.
Surely not love.This had just been a distraction. A stolen moment when she thought the Patrol was closing in. She tried to back away, but Deyric didn’t let her go.
“Ignore her.” His hands found hers, his thumb brushing over her knuckles before he lifted one, then the other, pressing a slow kiss to each knuckle.
It was unfairly sweet, entirely disarming.
“When and where?” he asked, then, a flicker of hesitation, something uncertain, passed over his face. “Or do you not…”
His fingers loosened just enough for her to pull away if she wanted to.
“No!” The word burst from her lips before she could stop it. She couldn’t bear the flicker of doubt in his face, the way his grip had loosened. So, she did the only thing that made sense. She squeezed his hands—hard, holding him in place. “I… I do.”
At least… I think I do?She swallowed, her heart racing too fast, the hallway spinning as Deyric searched her face. Then, the world narrowed to the deep emerald of his eyes.
