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She looked up at me with a scowl. I raised a brow at her. It was a challenge, one I didn’t realize I was setting until it was too late. I should have known she’d try something when a glint crossed her eye. I should have backed away from the fountain.

But I didn’t.

She lunged forward, putting her hand on the edge of the fountain and using it to steady herself as she reached for me. Her hand tangled in my shirt, and I was yanked over the edge and straight into the water.

The icy cold water shocked my system and froze my movements for a few seconds before rage seeped in.Is she beingfucking serious right now?I pushed myself out of the water, sending a glare to the princess, who looked at me with a satisfied smirk.

Water ran down my body, pulling a violent shiver from me. My hair stuck to my face, my clothing not much better.A drowned rat.That’s what she wanted to make of me.

“I’m doing this because Iwantto,” she said, the smile widening on her face. “Just like I pulled you in because Iwantedto. And just like you’ll do whatever I say because Iwantyou to.”

I stood to my full height and closed the space between us. My breathing was heavy, fists balled at my sides.

She was shorter than me, and I was forced to look down in order to meet her eyes. But that little fact didn’t seem to faze her. She just looked up at me with that defiant look.

“Just because your daddy is willing to do anything you want doesn’t mean I will,” I growled at her. “Now you’re going to get back into the house before you embarrass yourself?—”

“Or what?” she asked, a playful light shining in her eyes. Her lips tilted enough for me to catch a glimpse of her fangs.

Or what?I would kill her. That was the correct answer. But I was stranded, wet and cold, with no weapons. There wasn’t much I could do at the moment. Not only that, but the rest of the guards were waiting for me to finish my job.

Then an idea popped into my mind. A smirk pulled at my lips as I leaned forward. We were close—closer than I ever thought I’d let us be again. Her eyes widened before falling to my lips. Her breath hitched just like it had that night, no doubt both of us remembering exactly what happened the last time we were this close.

My eyes trailed the length of her in the see-through dress. A present I allowed myself, even for just a moment. She was so generously showing herself to me that it was almost rude not to indulge even a little. I committed it to memory. Taking in theway her hands were crossed under her breasts. The way her nails dug into her skin, leaving marks. The way the wet fabric bunched up against her hips.

Too enchanting for her own good.

I forced my gaze back to hers when I realized just how long I had been staring at her.

“Then I won’t play with you anymore,” I whispered, trailing my gaze from her eyes to her lips, then back up.

Seconds ticked by before understanding passed through her features. Confusion, then realization, then annoyance. I stood straight and walked right out of the fountain, not waiting for her reply.

She sputtered for a response behind me, but I didn’t let it give me pause.

The best way to get what you need from a spoiled brat? Just take away the fun.

And boy, did it work. She was at my side in seconds, a pout forming on her face.

“Really?” she asked. “You’re just gonna leave me there alone? I picked you as my guard, aren’t you worried that I’d get hurt or something?”

“In your own backyard?” I asked with a scoff. “Not likely.”

“But it’s your duty! And you’re just going to walk away? Aren’t you even the least bit pissed that I had them wake you up in the middle of the night for this? Aren’t humans like super into sleep or something?”

I gave her a smile but didn’t respond until we made it to the back entrance of the palace, where her guards were waiting for her. They all perked up when they saw us, some even sharing looks of disbelief.

“After you,princess,”I said with a mock bow. The guards were deathly silent behind me, probably waiting for my punishment.

But it never came to pass.

She huffed in response and stormed barefoot into the palace. The head guard gave me a nod, though I could sense the questions in his eyes. Especially when he took in my soaking-wet clothes.

“Just Vesper!” she called behind her. “No one else!”

Damn it.

“I’m thirsty,” the princess said as she sat down on her bed, her dress soaking the comforter with water.