“I understand what you’re saying.” His situation wasn’t far off, was it? “When I was heir apparent, everything was decided for me. I had power and money but no freedom. Only now, when no one in the royal family could care any less about what I do with my time, do I realize how unhappy I was.”
“You’re happier now that you’re free.”
“Somewhat. The problem is that once you are free, you start over discovering who you are. I think that’s part of the reason I wanted to fight again. It’s the one part of my past that I enjoyed. I think it’s part of who I am, even more than my royal title or my family.”
She slowed to a stop and searched his face. “That’s deep. But I can see where it would be true. For what it’s worth, I like who you are now, just as you are.”
He grinned until his cheeks hurt. “I like you as well, Harlow. Even when you’re enjoying the sight of my face hitting the ground.”
She giggled. “It’ll be better next time. I promise.”
His gaze caught on hers and held.
“I should go. My parents’ place is around the corner. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t think you should walk the rest of the way with me. They’re in a vulnerable place, and seeing me with you, well, it would be too much of a temptation for them not to try to take advantage of our relationship. They don’t know I’m training you. They’re in a desperate position at the moment.”
He nodded, wondering exactly how desperate Darium could be. Raven had made it sound like Harlow’s family was comfortable, although they clearly did not enjoy the social standing they once did. Maybe she was worried her parents would try to use him to get to the queen. “I understand. If you think it’s best, I’ll head back to the palace from here.”
“Thanks for walking me home.” She hesitated for a moment, then lunged onto her toes and kissed him on the cheek.
Warmth traveled from that kiss straight to his cock. Fuck, he was in trouble. His dragon pressed against the inside of his skin, urging him to chase after her and throw her over his shoulder. Reluctantly, he watched her walk away.
“Harlow.” His voice was a command.
She looked over her shoulder at him and raised an eyebrow.
“I could fit in that bed.”
Her lips parted, and her cheeks turned a luscious shade of pink. Slanting her a wicked grin, he turned on his heel and started back toward the palace.
Goddess help her. Every cell in her body knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Marius would fit in that bed. He’d fit inside her as well, although based on the overall size of him, maybe not easily. Her body clenched at the thought. He wouldn’t complain about the food, the lack of servants, or the size of the room. Not even the dirt under her fingernails.
When he’d said her name, it was as if her inner dragon had come to attention. Had he said “sit,” she would have sat in the middle of the street. She’d halted immediately at the sound of his voice.
It wasn’t a conscious thing.
He commanded something deep inside her. Part of her she hadn’t known existed. Her dragon knew him—his smell, his gritty timbre, the way he moved. Fuck, was this what it was like to have a crush on someone?
Drawing in a deep, cleansing breath, she turned and continued toward her parents’ place. Would it be so wrong to take him as a lover? Once she had her own place, there would be no one to stop them, no reason not to give in to their desires. She had a couple of days before she’d see him again. Maybe she’d propose the idea.
She turned the corner, and her house came into view. Why was her father in the doorway? And who was that with him? Locked in a lively argument, the two men seemed to be barely containing their anger, and their raised voices had garnered attention. Neighbors hung their heads out their windows. The woman across the street leaned against her doorjamb, watching the exchange with a smile on her face as if it was more entertainment than she’d had all day.
“I’ll get it to you. I said I’d get it to you.” Her father’s face was flame red as he spat out the words.
“I need it now, Darium. You’ve used up all your extensions.”
“What’s going on?” Harlow didn’t like the way the stranger was looking down his nose at her father. Cold, beady eyes locked on her. His face was made of angles. Sharp, pointed nose, sunken cheeks, narrow chin.
“Mortgage is due, sweetheart. Your father is having trouble paying.” His gaze skimmed over her. “I hate to throw a family such as yours into the street, but I’m not a charity, you understand.”
She snorted. “There must be some mistake. We own this house. My father bought it outright when he sold our Firedrake residence.”
Her father shot her an apologetic look and cleared his throat.
“Daddy?”
He hung his head as he said, “We took out a mortgage a few months ago. We needed the money for living expenses.”
“What living expenses?” She flailed her arms. She hadn’t bought anything for herself that she hadn’t paid for with her own money in over a year. They had no servants, no luxuries. Hades, they rarely had anything in the pantry.
