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“Us seven-year-olds had to stay together.”
Grandmama clears her throat. Loudly. “Anna, see if your mother needs anything.”
“Yes, Grandmama.”
My cheeks flame in embarrassment as I seek Mother, who is thankfully speaking to Aunt Ingrid and Aunt Lefa. The last time I spoke before Grandmama, she had one of the guards wash my mouth out with soap until I vomited. Will she do the same this time?
Blinking back tears that threaten to spill, I say, “Mother, do you need anything?”
She says something to my aunts, making them chuckle, and turns her attention to me. I resist flinching. Oh good. She’s angry at me, too.
“How dare you embarrass me like that in front of Malik Jafar!”
“I’m sorry,” I murmur.
“Sorry doesn’t make this right. Not even close.” She exhales loudly. “I have half a mind to send you back home.”
That gets my attention and I say, “I don’t want to leave, but I will if that’s what you want.”
She nods once. “It is.”
I’m torn between being hurt and being relieved.
“I truly am sorry for ruining your night,” I say.
She doesn’t answer, turning her attention to my aunts. I move discreetly away from her and head toward an exit.
I’m almost free when a hand wraps around my wrist, pulling me into one of the curtained alcoves. Inhaling, I find myself surrounded by Odin’s scent, and I meet his gaze.
“Where do you think you’re sneaking off to?”
“Mother told me to leave.”
He hums. “I’m sure she did. She doesn’t enjoy feeling like a fool.”
“Apparently.”
I turn to leave but am stopped in my tracks when he wraps his arm around my waist, snaking me toward him.
“Not so fast. You and I have some unfinished business.”
My entire body comes to life, but I shake my head.
“We don’t.”
“You know we do, baby girl.”
I say, “You think I’m oblivious, but I can see how much you desire me. That doesn’t mean I feel the same.”
Odin moves closer, but I stay still. I know this game. If I run, he’ll chase, and then I’ll be blamed for whatever happens.
He’s at my back and stands so close that his body presses against mine. His nose rubs the back of my ear and I fight, shivering.
“Desire? I dare not.”
My entire body feels like a live wire is ripping through it, but I remain still.
“You are days away from being married to my mother. This is never going to happen.”
