Chapter 4

"No objection?" Adrian asked.

"Your Highness! I have other talents." Nora raised both hands before he could act.

"Such as?"

"Up or down in bed. Books or blades out of it."

She had never worked harder to sell herself.

His hand closed around her throat. The couch pressed into the backs of her knees. Nora seized his wrist, fighting for air.

"I dislike useless people," he said beside her ear. "I also dislike people who know too much. Up or down in bed, for example."

Three encounters and she was dying. It seemed excessive even for this kingdom.

"Any last words?"

"You're...the best-looking man...I've ever seen."

A guard entering with a candlestick stopped short. Flattery would not save the fool.

"And the worst-tempered."

The guard's eyes widened. Adrian's grip loosened a fraction in surprise. Nora tore free and turned to run. He caught her shoulder and hauled her against him.

"Still trying to escape?"

She looked up at his face. "May I kiss you?"

She did not wait for an answer. Her arms went around his neck, and she pressed her mouth to his.