Page 54 of Heartbreak Prince

“I remember.”

“My collection of maids and men isn’t what it used to be,” sighs Steros. “Most of the time I just rely on Evanie. She doesn’t look like much, but she’s capable.”

“Expertise is beautiful in its own way,” Vawn says.

Steros lifts a brow. “You haven’t gone sentimental on me, have you, poodle?”

For the first time since we arrived, anger edges Vawn’s tone. “My family was slaughtered, Steros.”

“Ah yes. Of course. Well… a sad business, that. I liked them well enough. Your brother was a bit of a twat though, you must admit. And your father was always ravenous, never satisfied, clawing for the last bit of tax money he could shake out of our pockets. I always told him: tax the lower classes. That’s where the money should come from. Take it from the weak fools who waste it and give it to us, the upper class. We know how to make the most of it.”

“Steros, darling, I could use your help,” Vawn interposes.

Steros inhales, a fake little gasp of delight that makes me want to smack him. “Darling. Oh I haven’t heard you say darling in that particular way for so long. Say it again.”

“Darling.” Vawn’s voice deepens, smooth as honey, rich as gold. He clasps the lord’s shoulders and leans in, kissing first his temple, then his cheekbone. “My darling, my treasure, may we please use your back door? Otherwise I shall be killed, and it would be a tragedy for this face to disappear forever beneath the soil, don’t you think?”

“The back door?” The lord’s eyes widen, and he darts a glance at me. “You shouldn’t speak of that. I told you it was a secret just between us.”

“It’s a dangerous time, Steros. A time for exceptions. Don’t you think so?”

Steros shakes his head. “If anyone finds out that I told you about it, I’ll be in deep trouble with the other founding families! Did you think of that? And no, I can’t let you go that way. The slide hasn’t been maintained or repaired, not in years. There could be rockfalls, pits—anything could have happened down there. You might go sailing along fine for a while and then smack! You’re splatted like a bug on a gondola in a high wind.”

“It’s our only chance.” Vawn strokes the lord’s face with gloved fingers. Anyone else, witnessing it, might believe that he’s doing it fondly, but it’s a calculation, not a sign that he cherishes this man. It can’t be a sign of affection.

“We have something to offer you in exchange,” I say.

Steros peers around Vawn at me, and his lip curls. “Why does she speak, poodle?”

Vawn throws me a look that’s both cold and regal. “She hasn’t learned her place yet.”

“Do you remember yours?” Steros walks his fingers up Vawn’s chest. “If so, I might be persuaded to open the way of escape.”

“I think I might have some items in my possession that would be of value to you,” Vawn suggests. “A sample bottle of the Guild’s new glyph paint, for instance.”

Fuck. The prince should have tried something else, like the jewelry, rather than naming our top prize first.

But instead of leaping at the offer, Steros chuckles. “You know I don’t use glyphs anymore. I only have a few undamaged fingertips, and I’d rather not risk them. I like to feel smooth, warm things.” He slides his fingers into the opening of Vawn’s shirt.

“You could sell the paint,” Vawn purrs. “It’s worth a fortune.”

“I have all the money and luxuries I need. The one thing I do not possess is your pretty mouth and slick tongue. I’ve missed them. Having the Naughty Prince at my feet one more time would be a unique pleasure, especially since, as you said, you might be in the ground soon.”

Vawn attempts a smile, but it falters. He’s a shade paler than he was when we first entered the house. “And you’ll let us use the secret exit, lovely?”

“If I get to use you.”

“Very well. Shall we move to your room?”

“No need.” Steros opens his robe, revealing a hairy stomach with a stubby dick poking out from beneath it. “I don’t mind if your servant watches. A little treat for her.”

My brain whites out completely. It’s something like rage, but colder. Deadlier.

I don’t know where the entrance to the escape route is, or what locks and barriers might conceal it. I don’t know how many guards are in the house, or who else might be awakened by a struggle. I only know that Vawn is about to put his beautiful lips around this arrogant noble’s fat cock. And I will not allow that to happen.

The prince is tying his hair halfway back.

I test each leg by pressing my feet against the floor. The paralysis has nearly left me. I might not be in top fighting shape, but I think I can walk.