Page 27

Looping my arms around his neck, I rest my head on his chest. “You know you don’t have to marry me.”

His gaze drops to mine. “What do you mean?”

“I know my father sent me here so that you may court me, and I’ve loved every minute of it.” I suck in a breath. “But just because he sent me here, doesn’t mean that anything needs to come of it or that you have to propose. If you don’t like me, you can just send me home⁠—”

“Eden.” He tilts my chin up. “Do not think for a single second that I am regretting asking you to come here. Everything I have done for you, I’ve done because I wanted to. This is all real, little butterfly.” His words sink into me, past the wine and into my bones. “No matter what happens tonight. I’ve wanted you since I met you at your sister’s ball, and I fully intend to make you mine. Completely.”

I blink, lost in his words. Until a different, much huskier voice makes me grasp his shoulders.

“Care to share the princess for a moment?” Castor asks Lux, not meeting my stare. “I promise I’ll give her back.” He winks.

But Lux doesn’t release me. “Eden and I are busy.” He smiles tightly. “And there are plenty of other beautiful women here for you to dance with.”

Castor watches him for a few heartbeats before stepping closer and muttering something into his ear. As he speaks, his gaze catches mine, and he winks again, my stomach dropping.

Lux’s hands fall away from me. “Forgive me, Eden.” He dips his head. “There is a matter I must attend to.”

My body freezes. “But⁠—”

“You will be left in the safe hands of my brother.” He kisses my palm tenderly. “There is no need to be afraid.”

But I don’t want Castor’s hands anywhere near me. “Lux, please I⁠—”

He’s gone before I can stop him, disappearing into the crowd of waltzing couples.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up as Castor holds me far closer than Lux ever dared to. “Nice gown, Eden,” he murmurs. “It’s the wrong colour, though. Silly princess.”

I glare at him. “It’s the perfect colour, and Lux really likes it. That’s all that matters.”

“My brother has trained you well,” he chuckles, sweeping me into another waltz. “Does he give you treats if you sit pretty for him?”

I roll my eyes while he spins me. “Lux has been kind to me, unlike someone else I know.”

“You liked it when I stripped you though.” My cheeks flush. “Your pussy was soaked and your nipples were like two little rosebuds.”

“I can’t help how my body reacts,” I whisper.

“Maybe not.” He grins, tilting my chin up. “But I bet you wouldn't stop me if I did it again.”

“I absolutely would!”

“What if Lux asked you to?”

Suddenly all I can think of is how hot this ballroom is. “You can’t just ask me that, that’s between me and him.”

Castor smirks. “Yes, but what if Lux asked you to let me strip you again?”

“What?” I stammer.

“What if I told you that your perfect prince likes to watch his women being played with?” he says, my cheeks burning. “Would you let me take off your gown again while Lux watched?”

“That’s…” My words fail me. That would be wrong, wouldn’t it? Romance is between a prince and a princess. And princes don’t share, right? I hate the way butterflies flutter inside me at the thought.

“Think about it,” Castor chuckles, before grabbing my wrist and pulling me off the dance floor.

“Hey!” I squeak. “Let me go!” People ignore my protests as he drags me through the crowd. They barely even glance at us before stepping aside to let us pass.

It doesn’t surprise me. I bet at least half of the dancers here are his friends and the other half are in his strange little club and just as sick-minded as him.