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Bradwick would definitely not be.Now that she’d spoken to one such man, she realised they, too, could be self-assured and assertive. She knew he would be rough.Yet... I do not find him as appealing as Geryon.

With his metallic blue eyes, midnight-coloured hair, and brutish stalk, he was absolutely gorgeous. The man was tall, with strong muscles that pressed into his dress coats. His broad jaw was soft, yet his high cheek bones made him appear rugged, like he would prefer to bite rather than kiss.

Valerie had been curious to know if her feelings would change after she spent the day with Bradwick. She found both as attractive as each other.

She was drawn to Geryon’s domineering, menacing, and lustful personality. Rather than being frightened of him chasing her, she melted for him. He aimed straight for her without hesitation, with brutal honesty while keeping her will intact.

She wondered if Bradwick would spark any vigorous desire from her. She’d tried to be open to it, to see if it was possible. He hadn’t.

In just one moment, Geryon struck a flicker of something inside her. Then, when she’d been trying to snuff it out, just like a master and God of fire, he made it grow rapidly and uncontrollably. He reminded her of wildfire. She could picture him dancing around her with a wicked glint in his eyes, trying to get the spark to grow.

I have known the man for little under a week, and already he tries to scald me.

“Are you alright, Cecily? You seem flushed,” Bradwick said when she’d been playing with her food rather than truly eating it.

Valerie blinked a few times, only realising now that she was becoming aroused by her own thoughts. She wanted to rub her eyes with her fingers, disappointed in herself.There you go, Mother. Your unfeeling daughter has unwittingly become horny for a man who may be helping the king hide her sister.

It wasn’t his fault.

As Bradwick’s servant, he would have to do what he was told.With how he has been with me, I do not think he would have the heart to hurt her.King Bradwick, on the other hand, came across so high born, he wouldn’t care that she was a child.

“Yes. I am just warm from the day.”

“I see. Your skin is snowy. No wonder you said you prefer the wintry months.” Then he leaned back in his chair and placed his hand over the flat plane of his stomach. “Well, I am done, and I consider retiring early this evening.”

He gave a large smile, his eyes perusing over her.

Valerie placed her hand on his forearm, still resting on top of the table. “Are you sure? There is still much enjoyment to be had.”

In her peripheral, she saw someone get up and leave the dining table. Valerie kept her eyes forward, kept them focused on Bradwick as a small smile pestered her lips. She retracted her hand.

It had been a pre-organised signal.

“Yes, I am sure.” He paused, thinking on something.

“Would you mind if I accompanied you through the halls before I retire?” she asked, and his thoughtful look quickly disappeared into a beaming grin.He was wondering how to get me to leave with him.“I am rather tired myself.”

“Why, of course.” He got to his feet and helped her to hers.

She took his arm with a smile. It fell when they walked next to Geryon, who was giving her a squinted glare. She ignored him; she wouldn’t allow him to get in the way of her villainous plans.

They weren’t followed as they walked to the main stairs of the palace – the ones that ran up to the second floor before they eventually turned so the third level could be reached.

She made him pause at the bottom.

“Goodnight, your Highness.” She bowed her head and removed her arm from him.

“You do not wish to accompany me further?” He frowned, seeming perplexed.

Valerie gave a small, forced giggle.

“I am not sure where you wanted to take me, but I am suddenly feeling hot. I think I have had too much fun with you today, and you did mention I appeared flushed.”

He handed me the perfect excuse to escape.

She could see he wanted to argue, but didn’t. “Perhaps another time then, Lady Cecily.” The cheerfulness in his tone faded, replaced by a disgruntled one.

She waited until she knew he was going to climb the stairs the entire way to his bedchamber before turning away towards her own apartment.