He shook his head, looking weary and tired. “I have to. I can’t be here when they wake up. And I have to delete the camera footage of what just happened in your room.”
My shoulders slumped. “Okay, I understand.”
Whatever he’d done to rig the Third Debt was reliant on Cut and Daniel believing a lie. If they saw evidence against that lie, everything that’d been done last night would be for nothing.
It would be a waste.
Jethro groaned. His hand dropped from the doorframe, capturing mine.
The instant he touched me, I sparked from head to toe. I shivered as he stroked my knuckles with his thumb. “Goddammit, I never want you out of my sight again.”
I swayed toward him. “Surely, we have a little more time?”
You’re playing with fire, Nila.
That was true. My core burned for him. My body blazed for his. I couldn’t think of anything but sex. I was reckless, drunk on him.
His forehead scrunched.
I couldn’t help myself. I stood on tiptoes and kissed the faint lines around his mouth.
He froze.
“Nila...”
I kissed him again. A butterfly kiss. A goodbye kiss.
Suddenly, he grabbed my chin, slamming his lips on mine.
His touch was delicate but fierce. His tongue teasing but demanding.
With a soft moan, I opened for him and the kiss waltzed straight into forbidden.
Breathing hard, he pulled away. “Come with me.” Wrapping his fingers around my wrist, he dragged me from my room and down the corridor. His eyes were nothing but lust and urgency.
I trotted beside him in knickers and a t-shirt. “Where are we going?”
“I can’t say goodbye. But I can’t do what I want in there.”
My stomach somersaulted. “What do you want to do?”
He lowered his head, watching me from beneath his brow. “Do you trust me?”
I no longer had to think or doubt or lie. “Yes.”
His lips twitched in love and gratefulness, moving quicker through the Hall. “I want to do what I’ve needed ever since I knew you cared for me. I want to show you what it’s like for me.” We careened around a corner like two eloping lovers. “Will you let me do that, Nila?” The devoted need in his voice circumnavigated any excuse or negation I might’ve had.
“I’ll let you do whatever you need.”
Yanking me to a stop, he kissed me fiercely. His fingers held the back of my skull as if he was afraid I’d float away and leave him. “Thank you. A thousand times thank you.”
Dropping his hand, he looped his fingers with mine and together we ducked around corners, scurried beneath paintings, and entered the secret door to his bachelor wing.
He’s no longer a bachelor. He’s taken. He’s mine.
My eyes drank in the maroon painted walls as Jethro prowled the halls of his own quarters. He seemed more at ease here, safe. Ever since finding his chambers, I’d wanted to return. I wanted to explore and see how many secrets his personal space would divulge.
Jethro guided me past gaming rooms, studies, and elaborate dayrooms until he opened the last door and pushed me through.
