“You could have been begging me to not accept.”
I made a face. “I suppose the eyes, though they may be windows to the soul, are not the best means of communication.”
“That's why there are words.” He winked.
“You are mocking me.”
“No.” His expression immediately went serious. “I'm saying that I had to be sure.”
“Well, you can be absolutely certain now.”
“Of what?”
“Must I spell it out?”
“No, just use your words. Speak to me, Misha. I was very clear with you yesterday.”
“And I told you that my song was for you. That's pretty fucking clear.”
His lips softened. “I will never forget that, but I still want to hear you say it. Let there be no miscommunication between us from here forward.”
I whispered, “I want you too.”
“What was that?” He leaned toward me.
“You know that I can't say it any louder.” I glanced pointedly in Ilya's direction.
“Yes, I'm sorry.” Konstantin went serious again, dropping his voice into a whisper to add, “And I did realize that you desired me once I kissed you.”
“But why did you accept Nikolay's offer if you knew he only made it to control you?”
“The kiss was to confirm that you wanted to be pursued. I accepted the King's bargain to gain the right to pursue you and free you from his control.”
“But it doesn't give you the right to do any of that now. You don't win me until you find the murderer.”
“Ah, but that's open to interpretation. After all, he did offer me a taste.” He licked his lips as his gaze fell to mine. “And this way, if anyone catches us together, we can plead innocence.”
“Maybe you can, but I can't.”
“Why not?”
“There's more that I haven't told you. After you left that night, Nikolay assured me that it had been an empty offer. That you would never have me.”
Konstantin lifted his head as if he'd caught the scent of prey. “He doesn't intend to honor his bargain?”
“No, that's not it. If you succeed, he will be forced to honor it, but he expects you to fail.”
“Oh.” His expression lightened immediately. “I will not fail.”
“You don't understand. If he's that confident, there's a reason for it. Nikolay wouldn't tell me more, but I think he may have his own people investigating.”
Konstantin shrugged. “Let them. I will still find the culprit first.”
“All right, I've warned you. That's all I can do.” I shook my head at his obstinacy. Nikolay was always a step ahead, and I was certain this time would be no different.
“Maybe not.” He looked over his shoulder at Ilya. “The Larchs feel safe around you. I'm assuming it's because you protect them.”
“I don't protect them. Look at me; I'm not a protector. I just divert the King's attention when I can.”
