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Pace turns, frowning as I unwrap the sealed package I brought in with me. “What the hell is that for?”

“I need a sample.”

He eyes me suspiciously. “Don’t you have one in the system?”

“Yeah, but ask me if I trust that system. At least when it comes to those bodies down there.” He stares at the swab, jaw clamped shut. “Open up, brother. This is one mystery we can solve.”

Pace relents, opening his mouth, and I take a sample from the inside of his cheek. Once I’m finished, I secure the swab in the tube and place it back in my kit. “I’ll run it against the DNA profiles in the morning.”

“So you believe Danner,” he says, turning back to the monitors.

“Do I believe he was using failed princesses in an attempt to create an heir? Absolutely.” Arching an eyebrow, I add, “But do I believe it was some redemption story they all agreed to? Not a chance. I’d bet anything he had them locked downstairs.”

“Yeah, me too.” He glances over his shoulder at me. “Thanks for asking about her.”

“It was a long shot.” I rub beneath my glasses, eyes stinging and gritty. Everything about me feels tired and edgy, like I’m about to burst out of my skin. “You going to be up tonight?”

“Yeah, I’ve got an idea for this proof of life thing.” He glances over at me. “Why? You need a chaperone?”

“More like a warden. Hey,” I ask, nodding to the center screen, “does she really sneak candy when I’m not looking?”

Without the slightest hesitation, he says, “Yes.”

I groan. “Seriously? That’s not on her meal plan.”

“Dude, it’s been a stressful few weeks—for all of us. Don’t even think about taking those from her.” Behind Pace’s head, there’s movement on the screen in Verity’s room. There’s no volume, but the camera catches her rolling around, pushing Wicker onto his back.

“What’s she doing?” I ask, moving closer to sit on the arm of the couch. Wick’s eyes flutter open as she slings her leg over his body.

“Looks like Rosi’s horny,” Pace says, leaning back in his chair with a smirk.

“They can’t fuck,” I point out. “Her body isn’t ready.”

Physically, maybe not, but from what we’re watching, hormonally is a different story. Wick’s eyes are glued to the woman straddling him. He’s frozen, watching as she strips off her gown, revealing her full tits and swollen belly.

“Chill, her panties are still on.” Pace shifts in his seat, adjusting himself. “Trust him.”

Wick snaps out of his stupor and surges up, pushing her hair off her face. He leans into her, kissing her long and slow. Verity takes his hands and places them over her tits.

“Fuckme. They’re so fucking hot together, aren’t they?” Pace exhales. “Her nipples are insanely sensitive. I made her come yesterday just by sucking on them.”

“It’s hormones,” I reply, even though I’m barely paying attention to the way my mouth forms the words. “Estrogen, primarily.”

Wick pulls the band out of her hair, letting the red waves fall down her back. Her hips rock greedily. I knew she was horny, her body flush with hormones, but watching her glide her body over Wicker’s reinforces the concept. It reinforces why I can’t be alone with her, because my brother, despite his hypersexuality and impulsivity, knows how to control himself. But this hot, wild thing clamoring around inside my chest? It’s primal, beyond sense or logic or concepts like love.

And it’d tear her apart just to find a place to plant its seed.

4

Verity

Nightsin the palace have grown painfully quiet.

It’s not the same kind of quiet it used to be, with the guys sneaking around, trying to keep things from their father. There was fear in that quiet. Pain. Secrets.

But this silence is unique and fragile, as if the smallest breath could shatter it.

I wish something would.