Page 95 of Wicked Queen

“I know how you feel,” I said, “but this isn’t their world, either. You’ll see. We’re actually terribly boring people…”

“With private jets, family estates, and Crown Jewels.” He lifted an eyebrow, calling my bluff.

I tilted my head. “Yes, but the rest of the time…”

“Thank you for the dance,” Anders said, releasing me and taking a step back, “but I think someone is cutting in.”

I didn’t have time to ask him who before he spun me into my husband’s waiting arms.

Chapter 27

Alexander

Clara’s breathless surprise matched how I felt every time I saw her. I nodded politely to Anders. It was the least I could do if he was going to show he’d learned his place. Not that I appreciated seeing my brother’s hands on my wife in any context, but as I’d was unavailable, I’m glad she wasn’t standing alone. She eyed me through her lashes apprehensively as I clasped her hand and we began to sway.

“Feeling guilty, Poppet?” I asked, relishing the palm she placed on my chest. Another woman might have wrapped it around my neck or touched my arm, but she kept it near my heart as if protecting it.

“Nervous,” she said.

I dipped her slightly, swiftly and discreetly running my mouth up her neck before turning us. “Why would that be?”

“I was dancing with your brother.”

I chuckled at her wise choice of words. She was becoming quite the politician. “And everyone saw.”

“Yes,” she said, sounding even more alarmed.

“Wasn’t that the point?” I asked.

She cocked her head, revealing more of her creamy shoulder and I resisted the urge to bite it. “What are you getting at, X?”

“Simply, that you were meant to be seen dancing. I suppose he told you that,” I said before spinning her away and drawing her back to my body.

She melted against me. “He did. Were you in on this?”

“I was informed by Norris.” My mouth twisted at her disgruntled expression. Only Clara could get mad over me behaving myself. “He seemed concerned that I might start a fight.”

“I wonder what gave him that idea,” she said, refusing to give in to the smile dancing in her eyes.

“I thought you wanted us to get along,” I whispered.

“I didn’t expect such a sudden change of heart,” she said.

“Let me put your mind at ease.” I kept my voice low. “I didn’t like seeing his hands on you. I wanted to take you away, and so I did. He had the good sense to relinquish what belongs to me, so there was no problem.”

“Is that so?” She shook her head like I was being ridiculous.

“That you belong to me?” I asked. “I thought we established that fact, but perhaps you need a refresher.” The hand I had on her back slipped down to grip her ass. Only for a moment, but it was all it took.

Clara bit her lip, squirming a bit in my arms. “What are you saying?”

“You seem guilty and a bit confused, and I can’t help thinking that punishment might help you sort that out,” I murmured, noticing how her nipples hardened at the mere suggestion of my words.

“Punishment?” she repeated. “I thought you would never touch me while you’re angry.”

I winked at her. “Do I seem angry?”

“But punishment?” she said, her voice peaking on the final word.