Page 108 of Her Ivory Flame

“Don’t worry, I checked and the sheets are clean,” he joked.

“Good to know.”

Talking a quiet breath she started towards the bed, careful not to look at Kaden knowing she would give away her attraction to him. Things were already tense between them in a good way, she didn’t want to feed on that and go too far.

The silk skated across her skin as she crawled into bed next to him and let out a long breath when her head hit the pillow. Justas she got comfortable, another knock sounded on the door and Kaden once again answered it.

The maiden almost dropped her tray, her eyes wide as Kaden’s bare chest appeared in her face. The maiden’s outfit caught her eye though, or should she say lack of.

The female was in nothing but undergarments, fancier than ones someone would wear to bed and she knew then this place was disgusting. She was also adorned with an iron collar, and she wasn’t sure if it was a fashion statement or something darker.

“Your food sir.” the maiden’s face turning into a flirtatious smile. “The governor said to make sure his visiting male guests haveeverythingyou need, anything at all.” Her free hand tracing along her collar bone trying to draw Kaden’s eye to her breast.

Rage took over and before she could think she stormed over to the door, pushing Kaden aside.

“He doesn’t like whores, they are too dirty.” she snarled, white flame flickering at her fingers.

The female glared at her, but when she saw the flames she backed up a step. Others could be heard down the hall and she turned to see other girls similarly dressed trying to get into the other rooms with their theatrical display. To her pleasure, the girls didn’t succeed.

“We will take the food.” Kaden cleared his throat and grabbed the tray holding two plates of food on it from the maiden.

“Just pull that rope if you change your mind.” the maiden pointed to a dangling rope just inside the door. “We have many forms of entertainment at the ready.”

“Don’t count on it,” she snapped and slammed the door in the female's face.

She turned to see Kaden leaning against the small table he had set the food on and his face was full of pure amusement.

“What?” she barked.

“Do I want to know what would have happened if I would have been interested in her offer?” a smile tugging at his lips.

Catching herself overreacting she took a deep breath and crossed her arms. It wasn’t like they were together romantically, but the thought of that slut hitting on him boiled her nerves.

“I suppose you could still find out, just need to pull that rope.” she huffed and walked towards the table avoiding his eyes. “Just don’t expect me to touch you ever again afterwards or vice versa.”

A grip on her arm made her pause and she was suddenly being pushed against the wall, Kaden’s hand winding around the nape of her neck. His breathing was ragged, a rumble in his chest sounded and she froze in shock while his other hand rested on her hip.

“Are you jealous I was getting attention from someone?” he purred, his eyes feral and his grip firm against her.

“I’m a queen, I don’t get jealous over my guards.” she smirked.

“Whatever you sayprincess, but I can sense you want something.” His breath brushed against her lips as his head dipped closer.

It took effort to keep her lips in a hard line, not wanting to give into his game. It was no secret they had been tip-toeing around one another for a while now, but she wasn’t going to make that first move.

As soon as his hand moved from her neck and gripped her chin, she knew every ounce of fight she had melted away. Gently, he brushed his thumb against her lower lip, his eyes starting intently and she let out a shuttered breath.

“What do you want, Alyra?” he voiced with urgency and she felt butterflies in her stomach again. She could tell his eyes were a mix of panic and curiosity, himself showing a small amount of vulnerability.

Every ounce of her wanted to say it was him, the hold he had on her the past week overwhelmed her and she parted her lips to let out a shaky breath.

“Kaden, I..” She struggled to speak, her voice cracking as she closed her eyes as her vulnerability shattered.

He leaned in closer to her, their bodies now pressed fully against each other and his head dipped down so close she could feel his breath on her lips.

“What do you want, princess?” his tone yearning for her to answer and could feel his hold tighten on her.

“I-”