He whines, "This is torture. Whoever thought to put us here is sadistic."
"I'm sure you've done worse to your enemies," I comment, rising off the floor.
He pins his blues on me, confirming my suspicion. I still know nothing about him other than his name is Brax O'Malley. That last name confirms he's part of the clan, but time hasn't allowed me to drill him about other things.
My pulse ticks up. I clear my throat. "Focus on your rules."
He moves closer, and a new ripple of heat hits my body. "Three hours of rules. I think I get it."
"Enlighten me."
He chants, "Blood remembers. Betrayal kills. Keep your mouth shut. Don't piss off the queen."
I cross my arms. "We don't have a queen yet."
He gives me a funny look, half amusement and half suspicion. "Why not?"
My loyalty to Kirill and the real truth fight.
"Cat got your tongue?" Brax pushes.
I lock the truth in my mental vault and lift my chin. "Because the king hasn't chosen her yet."
Sarcasm curls on his tongue. "Such a responsibility."
"It is," I snap.
"Don't have to get all touchy about it," he says.
I point at him. "You're disrespectful, and that's going to get you killed."
A crooked smile appears. He lifts his brows.
I shake my head. "You should take this seriously, Brax."
He groans. "I am. But you have to admit this is a lot for any normal man to take in. Kings. Queens. Next, you're going to tell me there are knights in shining armor, too."
I stare at him.
"You've got to be kidding me," he mutters.
I offer, "Look, I know this is a lot to absorb, but your mouth is going to get you in trouble."
He laughs softly. "Good. Let it. Take the dress off, Valentina."
A shot of lava flows through my veins. "No."
"Scared?"
"Of what?"
"Of wanting me."
I roll my eyes, but the tremor in my core grows. I accuse, "You're delusional."
He prowls closer until his breath brushes my temple. He grabs my wrist and plants his thumb on it. "You keep saying no, but your pulse says otherwise."
I pull my hand away. "Ha ha funny."
