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Once she finished eating, he leaned in close. “You missed some.” He slowly swiped his tongue over her lips and licked the spot clean. “There, that’s better.”
A warming sensation fluttered in her belly instead of her reaching to slap him. She couldn’t control herself from wanting his tongue to do other things, wicked and delicious things. Their breaths mingled, the air thick with desire. Would he kiss her? Just as she tilted her chin up, he stepped back to grab a shirt from his wardrobe. She took in a deep breath, shaking herself out of whateverthatwas she was feeling.
Rush looked at her over his shoulder. “I have to speak with the guards about Starnight, but I’ll meet you in the ballroom after.”
“I would like that.” She bit her lip, focusing on what mattered—hoping this was her chance to be left alone inside his room to search it.
“Good. A servant is waiting in the bathing chamber for you.”
Damn it. That was Aura’s queue to leave. But Rush had said she would be sleeping in his room going forward, which meant she would have another opportunity. She just couldn’t fall asleep first…
As Aura stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind her, Astor came around the corner, his hair disheveled.
“Did you bring those flowers to Hana?” she asked.
He furrowed his brow and studied her as if he didn’t understand why she was talking to him. “Not yet.”
“Would you mind delivering something else to my twin? Recipes from Marion. You don’t have to say they’re from me. Just make sure she gets them.”
“I can do that.” Before Aura walked away, Astor added, “I can deliver anything you need me to. I don’t mind at all.”
Aura blinked, surprised by his kindness. “Thank you, Astor. And remember, stay honest with Hana.”
But really, could he be completely honest with Hana when Aura was living in this palace just under Astor’s nose?
The door opened and Astor turned to face Rush, who now wore a black tunic. As Aura padded down the hallway to leave them alone, she caught wind of Astor asking the king in a heated tone, “I didn’t realize this was a permanent sleeping arrangement.” Why did it matter to him anyway?
Aura collected a silver dress from her wardrobe, then rinsed off in a warm bath filled with scarlet rose petals and oils. As she studied the pretty redheaded servant—Janee—Aura wondered if she’d ever pleasured Rush, if she’d been the one who he’d brought to bliss just outside her room. A bit of envy crawled through her, but Janee was nice and talked about several of her lovers while Aura listened.
Before going to the ballroom, Aura ate one of Marion’s meat pies in the kitchens while the woman instructed two other servants on how to bake proper miniature cakes. The ballroom was empty so Aura took a seat at the piano and brushed her fingers across the smooth ivory keys, playing one short note after another.
“I wasn’t sure it was possible to play worse than Astor.” Rush smirked as he settled beside her at the piano, his smoky scent consuming her senses. She hadn’t even heard him come into the room.
Aura rolled her eyes. “I never learned to play the piano.”
“Ah, so you need a lesson then.” His large hands fell atop hers, warm, so deliciously warm. “We start slow. I may not be the greatest, but I can teach a simple melody.” He gently pressed their fingers against the keys before playing, and she clumsily followed. “That’s not too terrible.”
“Continue being honest.Please.” She laughed softly. “Growing up, I never had an interest in playing an instrument.”
Rush raked a hand through his hair. “Oh? A young woman meant to become a royal of Starnight? I’m surprised you weren’t forced to be accomplished in all things.”
“I wasencouraged.”
“What did you have an interest in?”
Aura opened her mouth to answer, but there was nothing… She thought about it, really thought about it, wishing she could say something like swordplay or archery.Something. “I don’t know… I honestly don’t. I lived with my family away from the palace, secluded past the mountains. My life was so focused on marrying the prince that I don’t even know whatIlike. No matter that I’ve helped Marion bake, I don’t like it any more than I did. Maybe gardening? After spending time in yours, I quite like plants.”
Rush snorted. “I think there is a difference between observing a pretty garden and working in one.”
She folded her arms. “I won’t know until I find out.”
“Then, by all means, go outside and work in mine. Get those pretty little hands of yours dirty. I don’t mind watching.” The King of Sin’s eyes grew hooded as his gaze slowly traveled up her form to lock on hers.
“You’re ridiculous. Besides, don’t you have Starnight matters to think about?”
Rush grew serious. “Starnight will grow bolder. According to Astor, Pax is demanding to wed you immediately after you’re found.”
“Immediately?” she hissed. “Why does it matter? He can wed any of his other conquests if he so chooses.”
