Page 58 of The Shadows Between Us
14
“You foolish, foolish girl,” Leandros says yet again when we reach the castle in the early hours of the morning. Since I regained consciousness, he’s done nothing but shove bread and water down my throat. I’ve sort of sobered up, but the left side of my face feels like someone threw a brick at it. Compliments of the Viper.
We walk up a dead hallway, the servants and staff having long since retired to their beds.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time,” I say.
“Next time don’t drink so much.”
“That peasant ale is deceptively potent.”
“All ale is potent when you have six glasses.”
I wince as I tentatively touch the area around my eye. “I can’t believe I bruised my best feature.” I don’t know what I’ll do about the black eye. I’ll need to work a miracle with my face powders to cover it up.
We reach my door, and Leandros drops his voice as he faces me. “All your features are the best. No other woman holds a candle to you.”
He leans forward, kissing the black spot around my eye. When he pulls back, he looks down at my lips.
It was an incredible night. One I won’t forget anytime soon. And Leandros is handsome. Far too handsome for his own good.
I raise a hand into his golden-brown hair, slide my fingers to the back of his head, about to draw him near.
But then I stop.
I’m here to woo the king. Not his childhood friend.
But would he really find out about one kiss?
It wouldn’t be one kiss. I’ve no doubt Leandros is a fantastic kisser, and I’d be dragging him backward and into my room before long.
Do I want a kingdom or a tumble in the sheets? It shouldn’t be so hard to make this decision. But it’s been weeks since my last dalliance.
With a sigh, I let my hand drop. “Good night, Leandros. Thank you for tonight. I won’t forget it.”
A sad grin hits his lips, but ever the gentleman, he nods and strides down the hallway and away from me.
I already regret the decision as I’m left alone and cold in the empty corridor, but it is far too late to change my mind.
I dig out my key from the wads of notes in my pocket and let myself into the room.
I kick off my shoes first, empty my pockets out onto a table.
Then I look up.
Kallias is in the room.
HE SITS ON MY BED,his legs crossed in front of him. His shirtsleeves are unbuttoned, but he still wears his gloves. No vest or jacket, but a small expanse of his upper chest shows without a cravat or top button done up.
Though he looks relaxed, he’s perfectly alert.
“Did you have a pleasant evening?” he asks without looking at me, no hint of his mood to be found in his voice.
“I did.”
“It would appear Leandros did as well. Why didn’t you kiss him good night?”
He was listening. He had to be. Oh, I’ve never been more grateful for my courage in turning Leandros away.
