Page 74 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 1

"But not the last?" Linc puts an arm over my shoulder, leaning on the shelf behind me and making me realise how close we're still standing, but I can't bring myself to move away.

"He's changed since coming here," I admit. "At first, I thought it was because of the influence of our father, but I don't think so now. It's more complicated than that."

He raises an eyebrow. "You don't think it's your father?"

I shake my head. "I mean, I wish that he wasn't selling me off to the highest bidder, and he's definitely not warm or anything. But he's never actually been cruel to me since I got here. My brother though..."

"I'm sorry, Bea." He reaches out and touches my cheek.

My eyes close and I lean into his touch. I know I shouldn't take it, and that it would be better for me if I ignored the feelings I have building up inside, but I can't.

Linc leans in, and I do nothing to stop it, even when his breath brushes against my lips. It only makes me want him more.

Someone clears their throat and Linc jumps back, straightening out his jacket and trying to look as if we weren't just about to kiss.

"I didn't realise I was interrupting," the newcomer says.

I let out a small groan. Marcus.

"There's nothing to interrupt," Linc says quickly.

My cousin shrugs. "Linc, there's been a message from Agnes."

Linc's eyes widen. "Is everything all right?"

"No idea."

"I'm sorry, Bea, I need to go."

I nod and touch his arm without thinking. "I hope everything's all right with your sister."

"Me too. Same time tomorrow?"

I should say no. "Yes."

He lingers for a moment like he wants to say more, and then hurries off, leaving me alone with my cousin.

"There's nothing going on between us," I say to Marcus.

"What do I care if there is? It's not like you're doing anything wrong."

I frown. What a weird thing to say when I'm betrothed to his half-brother. "But the betrothal...."

"What about it?" Marcus responds.

"Your brother won't like this."

He gives me a strange look. "I can assure you, he's fine with it."

I stare at him for a moment, trying to figure out what he means by that. He knows the Prince better than I do, perhaps that means he doesn't care what I do. I suppose I'll find out when I finally discover who the Prince is.

"Are you meeting Lord Luca?" I ask, mostly to change the subject.

"No, I came to find Linc. I actually have a meeting to get to, will you be all right on your own?"

I nod. "I can take Pip for a walk."

Marcus smiles. "Give her a scratch from me. And between the two of us, I'm looking forward to her living in the royal apartments. I've always wanted a dog."