Page 96 of The Never List
“If you did know,” I say, tilting my head, “would you warn me?”
Pierce studies me. “That’s a complicated question.”
I study him a bit harder. “I believe Kal and Axl would,” I say, nodding toward them. “If they overheard their fathers discussing an upcoming test set up for me…I think they’d give me a warning.”
Pierce shifts his weight, the motion smooth as he looks down at me. “The purpose of a test is to get a genuine reaction,” he explains, ever the Mind with his logical sense. “If we warn you, how are we to know if you’ll react from the heart, from your most basic instincts, or if you’ll choose to react in a way that would be pleasing to us?”
Sadness stings my chest at his words. “I hate that you have to wonder such things,” I admit, sighing. “The Choosing has corrupted the authenticity right out of finding a proper mate for you four,” I continue. “First with the promise of an increase in nobility status and wealth, and second with the title ofqueenat the end of it, should they survive. Unfair.” I look up at Pierce with what I hope he can tell is sincerity.“But from what you’ve seen of me, what Kal and Axl have told you…am I the type to perform?”
The question leaves a bitter internal sting as it comes off my tongue. In the beginning, I knew I had a role to play, but even with my life on the line, I haven’t been able to control my reactions beyond keeping where I come from and the power I have a secret. Everything else? It’s been genuine, whether that helps me or not.
And after accepting Kal and Axl’s tokens…
I fear this game is playing me more than I’m playing it.
Pierce’s eyes widen. “You are a remarkable creature,” he says, gaze falling to my lips for a brief moment. “The things you say…”
I smile. “Jax said my mouth gets me into trouble.” My chest tightens at the memory. At how easy it was between us before he chose me.
“Never change,” he says, drawing me out of my thoughts. “Truth be told, I’m tempted to steal you a night early,” he continues, and I chuckle softly. “Damn the rules. You wearing that dress has become a new weakness I didn’t realize I had.”
“Oh?” I ask, sipping more of my sparkling wine. “What would we do?” I ask. “If youdidbreak the rules?”
His eyes darken, a smirk playing across his full lips. He draws closer, pressing his cheek to mine, his lips at the shell of my ear. “I’d take you to my estate, not bothering to show you to your own rooms, and guide you to my bed. There, I’d rid you of the delicious silk covering your body, and then I’d make you come without even touching you just so I could study the curves of your face when pleasure consumes you.”
My breath quickens as I lean back enough to look athim. “You can do that?” I whisper.
“Indeed,” he answers, smoothing a knuckle over my temple, tucking some hair behind my ear. “The possibilities of what I can do to your mind are limitless, darling,” he continues. “It’s the door to all things, you know. Knowledge. Fear. Survival.Pleasure.”
Tingles dance down my spine when he says the last word, and I sigh from the sensation. His smile turns mischievous before he leans in close again. “I could make you come right here,” he says, scanning the crowd around us.
I follow his gaze, spotting Kal and Axl chatting not ten feet away with Jullian and Brooks now. Baydel and Lucas are on the other end of the ship, conspiring as their guards—One and Two—hover near them. And Jax. He’s alone, of course, at the bow of the ship. Plus, there are countless servers and nobility, a few extra enforcers, and Mirren wandering about as well.
“I could unravel you in front of all these people,” he continues. “You wouldn’t even realize you’re on the ship anymore.”
A throbbing ache pulses between my thighs, like Pierce’s fingers are lightly brushing over that sensitive bundle of nerves.
“I could take you anywhere in the universe without either of us moving an inch, and there would be nothing you could do to stop me.”
My pulse skitters as what he says plays out in my mind. Would I be able to keep quiet? Would I be able to stay still while he mentally shattered me? Do I want to find out?
From the ache and slickness between my thighs, I most certainly do. And this game is a little too fun to stop now.
“Such a humblebrag,” I say, grinning up at him. “But Icouldstop you.” My breath catches as the need inside me grows.
He arches a dark brow at me. “You think so?”
I nod, discarding my empty glass on a passing tray. I take his tie in both my hands, playing with it as I smile up at him.
“The kings themselves have to work extensively to keep me out of their minds,” he says. “What makes you so confident?”
“You do,” I answer. “All I’d have to do is sayno,” I continue, “and you’d release me from your hold. You told me so yourself. You’d never force your way in.”
“Perhaps I was lying.” A slow, easy smile. “Haven’t you heard? All the Legends are scoundrels. Your consent and comfort are the least important things to a prince of Lumathyst.”
I laugh then, full and bright enough that Pierce joins in. “You know that isn’t true,” I finally say once I’ve reeled it in. “You and the other Legends are nothing like the rumors report.”
“Ah,” he says. “Soyouthink. But we could have you fooled, darling. All in the spirit of the Choosing.”
