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Or maybe you’re her ticket to getting out of here and she’s just good at masking her hate.
“He doesn’t. My brother doesn’t bring anyone here at all. I was beginning to think he just doesn’t fuck anyone.”
The rumination popped like a bubble. This time, he froze, not quite as swift to face the incoming figure as the man snuck up on him—and everyone. Gathering his composure, Nate faced his brother with a more pleasant expression than the one he had given Sylvia.
“Nicholas.”
“Let me correct that, because I know he and Sylvia fucked like there was no tomorrow during the brief moment that they were together. But he wouldn’t be caught dead bringing her here no matter what sexual acts she did.”
Nicholas grinned as he said this, deliberate in his words and watching Winter’s reaction carefully. So did Nate. Winter peered at Nicholas, putting just enough awe in her expression as she bowed slightly. Then she returned to her affable, unbothered state.
“It must have been very awesome sex with no blood exchange,” she stated.
Nicholas blinked, then burst into laughter as if it was the funniest thing he had heard. It drew the attention of everyone. A hush came over the crowd as the guests anticipated the prince’s next move—which, as always, had been Nicholas’s goal. Not knowing what to make of it, Nate was on alert.
“I didn’t think you were attending, brother. You are not dressed for it,” he pointed out.
Nicholas shrugged. “I was bored and decided to check the event. I didn’t think it would ease my boredom until I heard the whispers. Winter, is it?”
“Yes.”
He scrutinized her, peering with an intensity that gobbled up every inch. “I haven’t seen you around.”
“I’m afraid that I have been monopolizing her attention, Nick.”
“I can see why, Nate,” Nicholas returned, hand reaching out to touch a wayward flower on her dress. “But I meant that I hadn’t seen her around in the castle before you got to her. Why is that?”
When Nate started to answer, a hand glissaded towards his, intertwining their fingers. To anyone watching, it was a shocking gesture of intimacy started by the human emphasizing her lack of fear, and it had them missing her squeezing his fingers: a warning.
“Because I was a roamer, doing the odd errands outside the castle before your brother found me.”
“And is that how the seduction started?”
“There was no need for seduction. Your brother got me out of trouble. Sparks flew while I was under his house and—”
“We took it from there,” Nate finished, but it was too late. Nicholas latched on to a word, his features lighting up.
“You are under House Hendricks.”
“Under my wing,” Nate corrected. Nicholas smirked.
“I see. What a lucky wing he has to have you, then.”
The man took her free hand and lifted it, then pressed his mouth against her knuckles. Nate braced himself for the show of fangs, but Nicholas eased back right after and continued staring at her. Still, the look of hunger was so intense that Nate felt a protective surge coming out and making him want to growl. He wanted to whisk her away from here and get those curious eyes off her. He wanted to back out of the deal and…
The last one caught him off guard and snapped him out of his raging emotions. Nate gathered his bearings and attempted another smile, this one with a hint of warning.
“I think it’s best if you change your clothes, Nick, if you want to be tonight’s representative for the seasonal party.”
The message was clear: he didn’t want to discuss Winter anymore. Nicholas nodded, losing the intensity as he chuckled ruefully and affecting a boyish look.
“I think your flowery shirt is sufficient enough for the family, Nate. Besides, I have other matters to attend to.”
Nicholas shot her another grin, watching her bow in delight before the man left the party. The crowd watched the prince take his leave with all eyes on him, with some choosing to follow. When Winter still didn’t move, he turned, pretending to hug her.
“Breathe out.” She did so, losing all stiffness as she melted against him. A curse rang in his head and his hand took hers, searching for a wound. “What did he do?”
She started shaking her head, then chose to bury it against his neck. There, she spoke softly. “Nothing. Everyone’s watching.”
