Page 323 of Split or Swallow

Tem suppressed a bizarre urge to laugh.

“You’re still alive. So yes, it did.”

Leo chuckled quietly. “Have you so little faith in his self restraint?”

“I have faith in his self restraint,” Tem said. “But not in his temper. And if you knew him better, you’d feel the same.”

Leo’s smile faded.

“I very much doubt he’ll give me the opportunity.”

“It doesn’t matter, Leo,” Tem said tiredly. “We just have to move forward.”

Leo seemed to sense her exhaustion because his hand touched her waist tentatively, pulling her against him. It remained there as they made their way back to the carriage, moving to encircle her shoulders on the ride back to the castle. They exited the carriage together, and when they reached the landing before Leo’s room, they turned to each other.

Tem opened her mouth to speak.

But she was interrupted by the arrival of Vera, who flounced up the stairs with insistent glee.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” she purred at Leo.

That much was apparent. It was nearly dawn—Vera had probably been roaming the castle all night in an attempt to bed him.

“Vera,” Leo said dully. “Hello.”

Her smile faltered at his tone.

“You wanted to see me?” she said.

Leo raised an eyebrow, as if he’d just remembered something.

“Ah,” he nodded. “Yes, I did.”

Vera flourished once more.

“Wonderful. Because I was thinking we could—”

“I’m afraid we will not be continuing with our courtship.”

Vera’s mouth fell open. So did Tem’s.

“Excuse me?” she scoffed, her hateful gaze flashing to Tem. “Are you telling me you’re choosing her?”

“Yes,” Leo said. “I am.”

Tem sensed something new in his energy—something calm. He seemed to have discovered some sort of inner peace in the last day—an assuredness that sustained him from deep within. Nothing seemed to bother Leo anymore. He was a man with purpose now. It looked good on him.

But Vera wasn’t done.

“I hope you like the taste of chicken shit,” she spat. “Because that’s all you’ll get with her.”

Leo straightened.

“I would ask that you not disparage my future wife in front of me. As of now you are no longer a guest in my home. If you are unable to see yourself out, I shall find someone to escort you.”

Vera’s face went tight with shock. For all the times she’d publicly humiliated Tem, this was not how either of them expected their rivalry to pan out. Vera stepped forward, and for a moment, Tem thought she might smack her. Instead she burst into violent, gulping tears before turning without another word and running sobbing down the stairs.

“Sorry darling,” Leo murmured, almost as an afterthought.