I’ve already met him. I’ve spoken to him a few times. I was just in his company before—
Well, before I got lost downstairs.
My cheeks burn. “King Quinn, my apologies for leaving so abruptly.”
King Quinn bows his head slightly. The man is nothing short of absolutely handsome. I can see what caused Tessa to lose herself to him. An athletic build makes up his frame with sandy brown hair, chestnut eyes, and bluish tattoos coating whatever skin is exposed.
I glance back at his brother.
The eyes. Those seem to be the only thing they share.From what I can tell, Darius doesn’t have any tattoos.
It’s not like I’m planning on finding out.
Goosebumps tickle my chest at the thought of seeing Darius without a shirt.
King Quinn clears his throat. “You may call me Quinn outside of court. It’s no trouble at all that you left. I see my brother found you easily enough.”
I turn back to the king, trying to smile. It’s the polite thing to do considering he’s welcomed me into his manor as an asylum seeker.
Though it’s not necessarily my choice. “He did.”
Quinn gestures to Darius. “I hope he’s been hospitable.”
My face flushes. I wipe the back of my neck and shrug, avoiding eye contact.
Tessa takes my hand lightly. “It’s alright. You don’t have to look at anyone here if you don’t want.”
Thank my lucky stars once more it’s not unusual for me to avoid eye contact. And my sister knows that.It protects my shame.
In the meantime.
Tessa chortles. “Amber has always been the shy one.”
Darius steps forward while folding his hands behind his back. “Funny. I didn’t get that impression.”
I practically choke on air.
Did that asshole really just say that? Who the fuck does he think he is?
“Has she been talking your ear off?” Tessa asks. She grins brightly at me. It’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her look aside from the day she struck that dirty deal with King Marr. “Well, well, well, sister. What a surprise.”
I don’t respond. I don’t want to eventhinkabout the dungeon.
Or that hard thigh muscle between my legs.
Or those fingers around my throat.
Or those fangs in my breast…
Quinn clears his throat. “Did my brother explain your duties while you’re here?”
“Duties?” I repeat the word like it’s a rusty nail caught between my teeth. Then, I fix my tone. It’s so easy to forget where I am. My mouth has gotten me into trouble in the past. My side burns with a thousand healed bruises. I rub it idly. “Uh... I realize every kingdom is different, so I might need a refresher.”
“You’ll be his personal assistant as well as his bloodbag.”
More rust dabs my tongue. I try not to spit.
“You’ll take care of him while Tessa and I are away,” Quinn continues. “You seem rather pale. Darius, did you—?”