I did my best to contain my reaction and offered a smile. “I believe Mr. Rathmore said food is available. What are my choices? Or if there’s not any, may I please have what can be easily prepared? And please, water. Lots of water.”
The woman bowed and left not really looking at either of us, seemingly not fazed by our appearance. Okay, so I guess the woman didn’t speak? Kind of rude, but whatever. Perhaps she just knew her place with her king.
“Thank you.” I called out as the woman departed, then looked at Kane. “Where did you say I should put my things? And who can repair my clothes?” I tried to be sure my reaction wasn’t as visible as I felt it was.
He held his head higher and gave my middle a gentle squeeze. “She is just a servant. She does not care if we are clothed or not. That is not her job to care. You should not worry. Besides,” he turned me, taking me by my arms and pulling me to face him. “You have an exquisite body. You should never be afraid to show it off.”
Red stained my cheeks. “Thank you, but I prefer modesty.”
“Then I suggest not pulling the rope next time until you have put on suitable attire.” He chuckled and kissed my forehead.
I had taken note that the attire we chose on our trip in was more for outdoors or traveling, not like the pretty dresses the women inside that house were wearing. I wanted to ask about that but decided it another thing to keep to myself, not wanting to appear ungrateful. “My things? A place for them and to get them repaired?”
"Don't worry so much, I have servants for all of that." Kane let his hands fall to my hips. “I meant what I said… do not be so fearful of showing your beauty off.”
“Servants for putting my things away and fixing them? Okay. Fine. But allowing servants to see you like this?” I placed my hands on his chest, refraining from curling into him. I looked down. “Do you not find it inappropriate to just flaunt yourself in front of women?” I wanted to take the words back as soon as I said them. I knew it wasn’t my place to lecture him about who he did what with. I hated that I felt so… protective? No. Possessive? Still no. Jealous. Yes. I was jealous. And I hated that, too. I shook my head trying to clear the absurd feelings.
"I own this castle, and to be fair, I have had my fair share of the servants. I don't honestly care what they think,” he stated this fact casually before he trailed kisses down my neck.
I did everything to not react but failed, huffing not so silently. Not only about the servant comment nor the thought that he’s possibly had that one, let alone others. But also at the idea that while I was there, he could have any one of them as and how he pleased.
He ran a finger down my side, following the curve of my figure. "What’s wrong with you, little one?" He kissed the side of my neck again as his hands gripped my hips tighter, pulling me into him forcefully.
“Nothing.” I huffed, trying to fight the urge to wrap my arms around his neck and pull him to me. “I’m fine. I’m sure your servants are all eager to serve you as you please.” It was the most passive aggressive and pouty thing I’d probably ever uttered.
"You are upset about my past? Surely not." He caressed my thighs more.
It was not fair what his touch was doing to me. “No.” I let one of my hands rest on his as it moved over me. “We both have a past. I’m not concerned with yours.”
"Then why do you sound upset about the servants? Are you falling for me?" His lips trailed to the back of my neck, his nails lightly scraping my skin as he moved my hair out of the way.
I was starting to melt at his touch, but his question jarred me. “What? No! Why would I be falling for you? I mean, I’m sure all women swoon, and you’re used to that. But really? Are you not just using me for sex and answers then will be eager to send me home as soon as you find a way to do so?”
"I am using you for sex sure, just as you are enjoying it. I also find comfort in you that is satisfying. Soothing even. As far as sending you home like a child. That is not what I aim to do. However, you are free to leave at any point."
I was torn by his words and worked to rebrick the emotional wall I typically had up after letting it sag slightly. A part of me had noticed that he admitted to feeling comfort in me. That he, too, felt there was something soothing between us. But he also admitted to using me for sex, and I didn’t want to think that we could or should have anything more than that.
“Enjoying it. Yes.” I mentally scrubbed the swooning away as best as I could, but my curiosity pushed forward. “Not what you aim to do though? And you find my company satisfying and soothing, huh? Your plans have changed, I gather. What is your aim now?”
His fangs grazed over my neck. "To learn all about you and, perhaps, keep you here."
The fire crackled, the heat from the flames mixing with my own internal temperature that was growing in intensity as his hands roamed over my flesh, causing me to sweat slightly, the droplets glistened on my body. “What?” I
