Chapter 0330

After bringing the cookies to Elva and spending some time with her, I set out again, this time in search of Nicholas.

My intentions were dual purpose. I wanted to speak with him as Julian suggested, as well as check on his wounds. He was a fast healer, but his bruises were many. I’d rest easier when I could see him healed with my own eyes.

After checking where he was staying with Mark, I located the correct guest room. The door was already open, Nicholas was sitting inside at a desk, reading through some papers. A line of worry creased the center of his brow.

I knocked and he glanced up from his paperwork. Immediately, that worry line vanished.

“Piper.”

“May I come in?”

“Please.” He stood up from behind the desk.

I entered the room and closed the door behind me. “I was hoping to check on your bruises.”

“I’m doing much better.” He began to roll up his sleeves.

I came closer to see. Some of the bruises were still there, but they were more faded then they had been the last time I’d inspected them. After another day, they’d probably disappear entirely.

Relief flooded through me so much that I slumped where I stood. Nicholas, worried, stepped closer as if to catch me from falling. I wasn’t going to fall, though I sort of wished I was, just to be in his arms again.

“This isn’t the only reason I came here,” I said.

He lifted a brow. “No?”

I pressed my lips hard together. I didn’t really know how to begin this discussion. I supposed the best way over was through, though, so I pushed forward, albeit somewhat clumsily.

“I have to kiss Julian.”

Nicholas straightened. His arms went rigid at his sides. His jaw clenched.

“Things are more complicated now. The producers are making demands. I had thought we could just hold hands or something,” I said, “But they want more intimacy. And with the King keeping track now… I don’t think there’s a way around it. I have to kiss him.”

“I’ve known that from the start, Piper,” Nicholas said.

+15 BONUS

“You have?”

gave a curt nod. “I have been trying to… contain my jealousy. I

ears. “You’re jealous?” I

instantly, with more force

stepped closer to him. I licked my lips. I’d applied lip balm since my date

Julian feels dishonest,” I said. “I would much rather

an almost smile. “And who would that

well who I’d rather be kissing, but I appreciated the game. It felt fun,

sliding closer to him. I was right in front of him now. I placed my hand on his

way I know exactly

I pressed up onto my toes, closing the distance between our mouths. At once, he gathered

yet insistent. He takes control of the kiss at once, and

his mercy.

his mouth. He growls

is claiming, marking my lips as he had my neck. The producers had smirked when they saw the bruises there. They had assumed Julian had left them, and Julian was eager to let them think so. He’d made a point of touching my neck a lot

over them now, refreshing

live in this moment alone if I had the power to stop

could mar my entire body with those same love bites. Maybe someday we

for the sake of his future bride if not for my heart alone. If we laid together, and then were forced to part… That moment would

if I was strong

dropped his

7/4

+15 BONUS

have to,” he said. “I wish more than anything that you didn’t have to. But for the good

the papers

they look?” I asked. They already

said. “If they weren’t… If this wasn’t absolutely

to gaze down into my

going to try to take

He knows we are only

voice lowered, rough and se xy. “When he tries anything

shiver trembled pleasantly up my

kissed me

closed, and I fell into the feel of him once more. My heart warmed

I know when not to watch the broadcast. I know it has to happen, but I don’t want to see

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