Page 56 of Slaying the Shifter Prince
Normally, in his room, I slept in my underwear. The only exception was when the healers had cut away my clothes—they’d been attentive and taken them all. But the way his gaze slid down me said he hadn’t taken advantage of their work to look. His eyes widened a little at my bare pussy.
With my skimpy performance clothes, anything but the thinnest strip of hair would be visible, and having none at all always surprised the patrons at my intimate performances. When I’d removed that last strip, their gifts had increased in valuesignificantly. Celestine had provided me with fae chemicals that removed it painlessly—another thing they’d improved over our barbaric practice of ripping it out.
And now, seeing his attention captivated for a long moment, I was thankful she had.
I would have him on his knees soon. And with a stroke of luck, I’d have found my iron dagger by then, too. I’d pair listening to his confession of infatuation with taking his life.
I promise, Zinnia. All of this is for you.
The thought crept over my shoulders like a lover’s lie.
With a long breath, the prince turned and strode to the sea. “You’re a lot less inhibited than most humans,” he said as I caught up.
“You’ve seen the outfits I perform in, right?”
“Are they really that scandalous for your kind?” He raised an eyebrow, mouth twisting.
I chuckled as we reached the edge of the surf. “I’m afraid so. It’s allowed on stage, but anywhere else, I’d be kicked out for showing too much skin.”
“A pity. Humans are such prigs.” He strode in, the water lapping at his calves, his thighs, his waist.
“Not all of us.” I gasped at the sea’s chill as I dipped my toes in. “Performers are… we’re different from other folk.”
He ducked so the water covered his shoulders and now turned to me, head cocking. “Your treacherous friend offered an ‘intimate performance.’ Was that an empty offer just to get me alone, or does your troupe regularly offer thatserviceto patrons?”
Teeth gritted, I pulled my foot from the water. Did he not remember seeing us in his capital city a decade ago? Zinnia had given him and his friends a private performance after the main show, right before he’d killed her. I didn’t know if she’d fucked any of them, but she would’ve touched and flirted with them. I’d spied on one of those performances once. It wasn’t the kind of thing you forgot.
Yet he had. A wave of red-hot anger engulfed me, making me forget the chilly water.
It required a deep breath before I could reply. “I’ve given a lot of private performances. It’s earned me plenty of extra money and gifts over the years.”
His gaze skimmed over me, making my rage burn hotter. “I bet it has. And yet…” With a heavy sigh, he rose, leaving the waves lapping around his waist. “You still fuck about on the edge of the water.” He stalked closer, wet skin glistening in the sun.
I stared, caught by the sight and my confusion at what his last comment had to do with anything.
I stared too long, because a moment later, he had me over his shoulder, hand on my backside.
“What are you doing?” I kicked and wriggled for a second before I reminded myself—compliance.
Just as I mastered myself, the prince heaved me off his shoulder and cold water closed over me. I cried out, bubbles spilling from my mouth, salt slipping over my tongue. A second later, I kicked at the sandy sea floor and broke the surface, just in time to see him rising from the water with a cry of pleasure.
“You fucking bastard.”
He stood just out of arm’s reach, smirking as he smoothed his wet hair back. “Well, you weren’t going to jump in yourself. It was torturous to watch.”
The waves reached his chest, but I had to tread water at this depth. I glared at him as I did so. “You’re torturous to be around.”
“Good. Then I’m doing something right.” He smiled brightly and ducked into the water until it covered his shoulders.
“Deeply unpleasant,” I muttered.
“Thank you.” As he sculled through the water, he flashed a smile like I’d given him the highest possible praise.
“It isn’t a compliment.”
“Oh, but it is.” He went very still, easy expression pulling into something intent. “I don’t strive to be pleasant. I don’t try to please others. I can’t play their game of blending in.” His claws cut through the water. “And why should I? Why should I file my edges for their consumption? I’m not here for them to eat; I’m here to live my life.” He lifted his chin, eyes locked on me. “And, little bird, the same goes for you.”
My breath caught as I flinched.
