Page 151 of Split or Swallow

“You can’t be here.”

“And yet, here I am.”

“Leo,” she grabbed his arm and yanked him toward the door. “Get out.”

“You know I love it when you order me around,” his hands wrapped firmly around her waist, pulling her back. “But I’m afraid I’ll have to disobey.”

Leo corralled Tem easily, pressing her body against the bar with his. She tried to elbow him but it was no use. He had her pinned.

“You look beautiful, by the way.”

“By the way? Is my beauty an afterthought?”

Leo’s cheeks cracked into a smile.

“So difficult to please.”

Tem was still trying to wrestle herself away from him. “You’ve always been terrible at compliments.”

“If you say so.”

“How did you know where to find me, anyway?” she snapped.

“It’s a small village, Tem. I asked the first person I saw.”

“Remind me to kill them.”

“And be an accomplice to murder? Unlikely.”

She glared up at him, but he only smiled wider.

“You’re gorgeous when you’re angry,” he purred.

“I’m gorgeous all the time. Now tell me what you’re doing here.”

A pause. Leo’s smile faltered.

“I’m afraid my father and I had a…disagreement.”

“What kind of disagreement?”

“I’d rather not say.”

“I’d rather you did.”

“Your friend is waiting, Tem. Shouldn’t you introduce me?”

“Shouldn’t you go somewhere else?”

“I chose to come here.”

“But why?”

Another pause. Then:

“I wanted to see you.”

Tem sighed. Leo always wanted to see her. But did she want to see him? It wasn’t exactly convenient timing; she was about to confide in Gabriel. That would now have to wait. There was no doubt that her kiss with Leo had awakened something in Tem—something she was willing to explore. And from the way the prince was holding her, she knew he wouldn’t leave no matter what she said.