Heat and humiliation warred in her chest. "No, I don't want to bleed for my independence."
"Good." But he didn't release her, didn't step back. If anything, he pressed closer, until she could see the flecks of gold in his green eyes.
The proximity was overwhelming. Her gaze dropped involuntarily to his throat, to where the burgundy fabric parted, then jerked away to fix on a point past his shoulder. A particularly fascinating vine, apparently.
"You're doing it again," he said softly.
"What?"
"That fascinating little struggle where you try not to look at me." He tilted her face up slightly. "You've been fighting it since I arrived. Staring at walls, at plants, anywhere but here." His eyes held hers, preventing escape. "Tell me, what exactly are you afraid you'll see?"
"Nothing. I'm not afraidof—"
"The burgundy suits me, doesn't it?" His voice dropped to that dangerous purr. "And the leather. I noticed how quickly you looked away. How the color crawled up your neck." His free hand traced exactly where that blush had been. "Such an interesting reaction for someone who claims to hate me."
Her breath came shorter. "You're reading too much into—"
"Am I? Your body is remarkably honest, little thief. Even when your mouth lies." He leaned closer, and she couldn't help how her eyes dropped to his throat again, to that exposed skin she'd been trying not to notice. "There. See? You're doing it right now."
"Stop."
"Why? Does it bother you that I notice? Or that you can't seem to help yourself?" His mouth curved in dark satisfaction. "Which brings me to another question. About that kiss."
Her breath caught. "What about it?"
"Have you figured it out yet? Why you didn't fight?"
"I—" Words failed her. How could she explain the confusion of wanting something she shouldn't, of responding to someone who terrified her?
"No?" He leaned in, lips nearly brushing her ear. "Would you like me to tell you?"
Every nerve screamed danger, but that warmth in her chest pulsed with recognition, reaching for him despite her fear. "I don't—"
"My lord."
Thaine's voice interrupted. Eliam pulled back slowly, controlled, but Briar caught a flash of something that might have been frustration in his eyes.
"What?" The word carried enough ice to freeze blood.
Thaine appeared around the hedge, taking in the scene with obvious interest: Briar pressed against the wall, Eliam's positioning, the charged air between them.
"Apologies for the interruption," Thaine said, sounding anything but sorry. "Lord Tamiel has arrived. He insists on speaking with you about a territory dispute."
"Now?"
"He says it's urgent." Thaine's smile was casual, an expression that didn’t match the dark gleam in his eyes. "Something about borders and blood rights."
Eliam's jaw tightened. For a moment, Briar thought he might send Thaine away, might finish whatever he'd been about to say or do. Then he stepped back, control sliding back into place.
"Tell him I'll be there momentarily."
"Of course, my lord." Thaine's eyes found Briar, glittering with dark amusement. "Should I escort your pet back to her rooms?"
"No." The refusal came quick and sharp. "She can find her own way."
Thaine bowed and disappeared back through the hedge. Eliam remained still for a moment, tension radiating from him.
"Tomorrow night," he said finally. "You'll be ready at sunset. You'll wear what I send. And you'll do exactly as I say."
