Unsheathing the dagger, she smiled pleasantly enough for someone who was pointing the sharp end of a weapon atsomeone. “Get out. We’ve already had this conversation, and it ends with me telling you toget out.”
The prince sighed loudly and ignored her. Walking into the kitchen, he leaned against a counter. One ankle crossed over the other and her cat draped over his shoulders. The sight made her want to scream.
“As good as you are with that knife, we all know you’re not going to stab me.”
She raised a silent brow in reply.
“Elysia.” His voice caressed her name dangerously.
“Fine.” She bit out the word and then flung the dagger the moment his body relaxed. It struck and vibrated in the space between his splayed fingers on the counter’s edge.
The prince didn’t so much as flinch. He pulled the dagger out cleanly, thoughtfully, and held it back out to her as if she hadn’t just almost relieved him of his fingers for the second time in so many days.
“I can’t believe I never even considered knife play.” He leaned forward tauntingly. “All you had to do was ask.”
“Oh my gods, you’re impossible,” she muttered, reaching to rip the dagger out of his hand, but he grabbed her wrist and, with one sharp tug, pulled her into his body.
“Have I turned you in?”
“No.” Her face was muffled against his chest. Idiot smelled good. Like the forest and fresh rain. It was terrible.
“And how long have I known?”
She tried to squirm, and his arms turned to bands of steel.
“Ugh. Yes, we get it. You’re so amazing for not having your girlfriend turned in for execution. Well done, you’re practically a saint.”
She stomped her bare foot down on his booted one knowing it was going to hurt her scarred soles but not caring. He swore and she twisted. She shot out of his grasp only for his long legto wrap around hers. Her knee buckled, both of them crashing down to the floor. Scrambling on all fours, she tried to crawl away, but was yanked back and flipped over.
Thick thighs settled on either side of her, reminding her of that night beneath the sea, and all her air whooshed out.
“Gods below, you weigh a ton.Move,” she choked out, slapping at his sides.
“As if I’m going to fall for that.”
She huffed and pinched him sharply in the soft flesh of his waist.
“Hey!” His hands shot out to pin down her wrists before her nails could be directed at his face. “Such a pest sometimes.”
Glowering, she considered if she could jacknife her leg up and rail him in the back of the head. She might pull a hamstring in the process, but some things were worth it. Like clocking him in the skull so she could get away from his overbearing ass.
He frowned down at her. “Are you going to listen now?”
She didn’t answer, busy wiggling her hips down to give herself a little more flexibility.
He sat down harder, trying to quell her movements. “I’ll take that as a yes, then. Tell me about this tincture. What are you trying to do with that rebel girl? Why were they so interested in you even though you’re connected to the Crown?”
Elysia batted her eyes. “Oh yes, now that you’ve broken into my home and pinned me like some common thief I’ll surely tell you everything! Come closer, I’ll whisper all my secrets in your ear.”
The prince’s shoulders dropped in annoyance. He leaned in, ass lifting off her waist as his face became exasperated. “Why do you have to be like this? You’re acting more and more like your sister lately.”
Elysia preyed on his error, using her core to lift her own hips as well. Her leg flew up, foot slamming into his neck and head.The prince toppled, his hands grabbing at where she’d struck him as he swore, while Elysia rolled out from beneath him.
Back on her feet, her breaths came fast. “You say that like it’s such a bad thing.” She grabbed a glass, filling it with water and gulping it down. “You keep coming to me, begging to be let in on what we’re doing. Tellingmethat I refuse to hear the truth, but you don’t even have the balls to admit what this is really about.”
The prince clambered to his feet, his steps heavy and hand still clutching the base of his skull. “And what truth is that?”
She set the glass down, meeting his bright gaze. Lifting one hand, she gestured at his chest. “That festering ball of pain living inside you.”
