“Not because you enjoyed it, Alexis,” he slowly makes his way to the fire, “but because I know he never truly enjoyedyou.”
“I can guess, Alexis…” his voice turns cool, “I don’t like to, but I can ease that sick pull in my mind when I think of him with you. He most likely kept your clothes on and met you in hidden rooms and spaces, and rarely ever kissed you with the passion you deserve. His advances were probably quick to start and even quicker to end, little touches here and there that were stolen under the false pretense of having fun before he moved on...”
“But you deserve so much more than that, Alexis, and I find solace in the knowledge that he was never capable of giving you what you deserve. He didn’t and most likely still doesn’t recognize the being he had in front of him… what the being ofyoudemands. And I find solace in knowing that I will never treat you in that manner, that our touches have already been so much more than that.”
“Keane,” I whisper, heart pounding against my chest.
“So do not feel shame for the time spent, Alexis,” he shakes his head, “you lived and you enjoyed. I only wish that it was with a man who was worthy of that enjoyment.”
My full body stills at his words.
Ancients, he’s too good for me. Too sincere and pure in his life.
I do not deservehim.
My sigh is filled with grief, my scattered emotions rattling me to my core. Keane slowly places his whiskey on the mantle above the fire and moves in my direction, offering the water that’s still in his hands. I take it with trembling fingers and hold my breath, watching as he reaches out to grasp the side of my face.
“I want you in my life, Alexis. I knew that immediately during our night under the Shadow Oak. I won’t let you become lost to me. Not over this.”
“I am not worthy of you,” I whisper.
Keane’s hand on my cheek stiffens before it starts to caress my jaw. He shakes his head and locks his brown eyes on mine in pure desire, his voice strong. “I will say the same thing to you for as long as I live.”
He moves his hand to the back of my neck and pulls me into a fierce embrace. The movement startles and makes me drop the glass to the floor, the pieces shattering below us as I let myself fall into his hold without a second thought. My arms wrap around his waist with a force that never wants to let go, my breathing catching in my chest as Keane leans down and lets his hands skim to my thighs to pick me up again.
Keane walks us the short distance to the settee in front of the fire and sits down in the corner, positioning me in his lap as I pull my legs out and extend them down the cushions. I settle into the Prince with closed eyes and a deep breath, feeling as Keane snakes an arm around my back and pushes his other through the blanket to rest firmly on my thigh. We sit there for a while in silence, my head resting on his chest as his hand moves intimately across my thigh in embrace. Our breathing begins to match the other’s in a steady calm until a soft knock reaches us from behind the door.
“It’s me, brother.”
Keane reaches for my jaw again, his brown eyes holding mine before he leans forward and kisses the top of my head. I disentangle myself from his body and move to let him stand up, noticing the glass pieces still scattered on the floor at our feet.
“Court is settled for the night, then?” Keane asks quietly when he reaches the door.
“Yes, as is the group from Knowledge. They’ll be ready for tomorrow.”
“Good. And Tadeo?”
“Being escorted out now. Barnett personally requested to accompany him.”
“He’s a good one. Let’s capitalize on it.”
“I agree.”
“Golem,” Keane speaks to the magical creature as I begin picking up the glass, “we need to move your home and Lady Alexis’ belongings here for the night. I will help you. I want no one else to handle your home.”
Keane turns away from the door and walks back towards me.
“Towel?” I ask quietly.
“Through the arch in the corner you’ll find the bathing chamber. Are you okay staying here while I take a walk with Golem?”
“Yes,” I nod, “his jar is in the armoire.”
Keane nods in understanding, his brown peering into mine, “I won’t be long.”
I give him a small smile and turn towards the corner of the room, stopping in my tracks as Keane grabs my arms and pulls me back to him. His fingers jut up my neck before his lips plant themselves tenderly on mine. It’s a sweet kiss, one that holds so much affection behind it, but it’s also a new kiss, as this side of Keane is something that I’ve never experienced.
Keane gives me one last look before he turns to leave the room, closing the door behind him.
