Page 153 of Blood Day

Why?

Because you’re mine, Lily. And I don’t want to share you.

But—

This isn’t a debate, sweet flower.

“What do you suggest?” he asked aloud, his focus on the other man.

“I suggest we alter our course and teach Emine and Lily how to behave around vampires. If your flower is to remain yourErosita—something I could help facilitate for you, if you choose to work with me—there will need to be an understanding between us.”

And there it is,Master Cedric mused.The real request.“Work with you,” he repeated. “Meaning?”

The royal grinned. “Meaning I may have a need for a new sovereign. And perhaps I would like that sovereign to be you.”

“Is that what all this is about? You want me to join your region and leave Silvano behind?”

He lifted a shoulder. “As I said, there’s change coming. I would like the right players on my side.”

“Change that you can’t elaborate on.”

“Not until I trust you.”

“So is that the real reason you’re here? To recruit me?” Master Cedric asked.

The royal scoffed at that. “No, you’ve been auditioning for me for years. Why else do you think I allowed you to be a Master at the university?” He arched a brow. “A vampire as powerful as you, near the borders of my territory? Come now. You know it required special permission.”

“And so, what, I finally passed your test?”

“Not exactly,” the prince replied. “When I receivedword of your departure, I came to handle the turnover of your classes. Which is how I met Emine. She is the reason I remained. But it ended up rather fortuitous overall, as it allowed me the opportunity to properly evaluate you.”

“Evaluate me… for a sovereign position.”

“Yes. One I know you don’t want. Which is what makes you perfect for it.”

“Silvano will never allow it.”

“Silvano doesn’t intimidate me. He can pitch a fit all he wants, but there is nothing tying you to him other than your loyalty. Which, ironically, I admire. But I would much prefer that loyalty be directed at someone who deserves it.”

“Someone like you?” Master Cedric guessed.

The prince’s lips curled again. “As I said, I could help you with this problem. If you agreed to help me. But don’t decide today. Think on it. Perhaps my training methods will persuade you.” He sauntered over to Emine and ran his thumb along her jaw, tugging her chin up until her eyes met his.

She gazed up at him without displaying any emotion, something that seemed to appease him greatly.

“Isn’t she a beautiful actress, Cedric?” Master Khalid skimmed his knuckles down her neck to her breasts. “Her body reacts to my touch, but her face gives nothing away. Even though I know she’s dying for me to lick her between her thighs. Isn’t that right, princess?”

“Yes, Master,” she replied, her voice devoid of emotion.

“Answer me like you would in private and maybe I’ll reward you,” he told her, and her expression immediately shifted into one I recognized.

It was the kind of look I knew I gave Master Cedric regularly.

“I’m soaking wet for you, Khalid,” she informed him, her voice breathy. “Please fuck me.”

“Such a good little mirage,” he replied, his lips briefly meeting hers. “She’s learning how to behave in public versus in private.” He brushed another kiss against her cheek before stepping around behind her, his hands going to her hips as he bent to nibble her neck.

My nipples tightened at the display, mostly because I thought of Master Cedric’s mouth against my own throat. His mind went to a similar place, his thoughts shifting from analytical to aroused in an instant.