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The day was blistering hot, and most of the ladies were using one to protect their skin during the worst of it.

As much as Valerie hated the heat, she adored the sun.

If she was able to use her magic, she would’ve shielded herself from the worst while allowing her to soak up its power. Witches were able to derive energy from most nature sources. Even the grass against her bare feet made her feel more energetic.

I have not felt mud between my toes since I came here.She already missed the little things of her usual, simple life.

There were a few people around, flitting in and out of the palace. She thought they would keep her safe while Victoria obtained a sun umbrella. She was mistaken.

One minute, she was walking down a hallway in the direction of the balcony that would take her outside. The next, she was being dragged into a room by her upper arm.

She stumbled slightly as she was tossed forward while the person locked the door behind them.

“Good afternoon, Lady Cecily,” a familiar, sinfully rich voice greeted. Her heart practically skipped a beat in joy.

“Lord Geryon,” she answered, folding her arms across her chest. “Us meeting like this is too risky.” They were on the bottom floor of the palace, near the court no less!

She walked around him to the door.

Just as she was about to turn the key still in the lock, he turned her, pushing her back against the wall.

Before she knew it, his hands were on either side of her face to hold her still. He brought his lips down on hers in a hungry kiss, filled with so much longing, it made her heart ache for him.

A surprised gasp left her lips, and he used that moment to slip his tongue into her mouth. She almost moaned at the sweet taste of him, at the feel of his lips against her own. Lost, Valerie kissed back readily, unable to keep herself from melting under his swirling tongue.

There was something about the way Geryon kissed her that unravelled her thoughts. It was always filled with hunger, like he was so starved he needed to eat her lips to quench himself.

Every time, it awakened her own need, and she found herself trying to match its depth, its passion, her own hunger rising. Everywhere throbbed; even her skin tingled, like it was desperate to be touched.

There was a more present sensation, though, one that was between her thighs. It would start as a subtle pulse before it became an ache she could barely ignore.

She wished it was her who had the thought to break away, since they could easily be caught. Instead, it was he who drew back, placing his hands beside her shoulders, his breaths coming out as pants. He stared at her with narrowed eyes.

If he asked her to go to his chambers right now, Valerie would agree.Have I missed him?Her clenching inner walls answered her with an excited yes.

“You have been avoiding me,” he accused.

“I most certainly have not.” Her eyes trailed across the room they were in rather than focusing on him as she tried to calm her own breaths. She wasn’t interested in having this conversation, especially when she was now deeply aroused. “Once again, you have made an incorrect assumption, and I begin to tire of them.”

“Have you not?” He gently directed her face by placing one knuckle under her chin to make her look at him. “At every turn, when you could have had a moment to yourself, you have made sure to be accompanied. You even took Lady Victoria to the library today, when you usually go by yourself.”

She folded her arms over her chest, her desire beginning to fade. “I may do as I like.”

If he asked her directly, she would tell him the truth, but she would much rather she didn’t have to.I worry about being on my own now.

After being attacked by Lord Daerk, Valerie didn’t want to be caught in a position that could lead to the same situation. Unfortunately, that meant Geryon wasn’t able to approach her. She’d felt the loss, but she would much prefer to feel safe.

“What else would you have me believe?” he bit, his nose crinkling. “You did not return to my room as promised.”

Valerie blinked rapidly. “Excuse me?” She gave him a single laugh while keeping her usual expressionless composure. “I said I would consider it. I became preoccupied.”

The high-handedness of this male could sometimes be quite infuriating. Valerie liked a man with this kind of confidence, but not when they thought it meant they could command her.

“Where did you go instead?” She didn’t like the squint in his eye, one of distrust. “You were seen walking the palace late into the night, when you should have been with me.”

“I was with Lady Savannah.” She threw her hand up to stop him before he could talk.The nerve!“I should have been wherever I wish to be. I may do as I please. You are acting rather impolite.”

“Because I am angry,” he said, and she thought she could hear a growl in his voice. “I waited for you, and instead, you decided I was not worth your time in comparison to another? A female I am aware you do not genuinely care for? You know I am fond of you, and yet you play games with me.”