Page 119 of Queens

“I know.”

I walk forward, beginning our first public outing as mates. We attract stares as we walk through the building. Dozens of pairs of eyes dart between us before focusing on our marked necks. Rexton’s scar healed nicely overnight, but mine is raw. The wound is shut, but the skin will remain sensitive for several hours.

I let people look, secretly enjoying it. Word will spread quickly that Rexton and I have marked one another, and I hope it’s acknowledged just how hard and deep he bit me. I wanteverybodytalking about it.

We slow down as we reach the corridor where we’ll separate. Rexton and I work on opposite sides of the building. He’s near my father, and I’m by myself. I’ve always preferred this, but I find myself mildly annoyed by the distance today.

“Tell me if you hear anything regarding Prince Nolic,” I order Rexton.

He raises a brow, the corners of his lips twitching. “Of course.”

I told myself I wouldn’t pry into Rexton through our bond. It’s intrusive, but he’s leaving it open. He’s ripe for the taking. I like to take.

Amusement filters down the bond as I try to sneak inside. Rexton knows what I’m doing, and he’s laughing at my failure. I didn’t last ten minutes.

I pull back, clearing my throat. “I take my lunch at noon.”

“Okay.”

“So I’ll meet with you then.”

Rexton blinks. “Are you asking me to eat lunch with you, Cassia?”

“No.” My answer is instinctual. I huff, blowing a strand of hair out of my eye. “Yes, I suppose.”

“I have a meeting at noon, so that won’t work for me,” Rexton says. “How about twelve-thirty? Can you make that work?”

Can I? Maybe, but I don’t want to.

I’m not used to sharing my time, especially with somebody like Rexton. My prior relationships have been with men who would go out of their way to make my timelines work. They valued my time over theirs. Always.

Rexton doesn’t, though. He wants to compromise and find something that works for both of us. I’m not used to it.

I swallow. “I prefer taking my lunch at noon.”

It’s a ritual. I’ve always taken lunch at noon, and I prefer it that way. The repetition brings a sense of calmness to my otherwise-chaotic life. The thought of changing it makes me nervous. It’s going to throw off my whole day.

Rexton brushes my hair over my shoulder, exposing the bite marks on my neck. Several are lining the column of my throat, and he looks proud as he admires them.

“If it’s that important to you,” he starts, “I can do noon.”

I let out a quiet sigh. That’s good. I don’t want to change my schedule, especially not on my first day back. That’s asking too much. I’m not prepared.

“Good.” I nod. “All right.”

What now? Should I kiss Rexton? He’d probably like that, but it’s not what I’m after.

I dart forward instead, brushing my teeth against his throat. I don’t break the skin, not here, but I make a point to touch him with my teeth. Biting is an intimate action I probably shouldn’t do in public, but I like it too much not to.

Rexton shivers, his hand flattening against my lower spine.

Our bond is blown wide open, and satisfaction travels down it. It’s mixed heavily with arousal. Rexton likes this, too. His throat bobs as he gulps, and I take a second to enjoy the feeling of his skin between my teeth before pulling back.

“Bye.” I spin, darting away.

Rexton’s laughter follows me, traveling down the corridor. I’m not sure what he finds so amusing.

My mind shifts into work mode as I head toward my office. I haven’t been here in days, but I’ve personally vetted all my employees. I trust they’ve kept themselves busy in my absence. They did so while I was chasing after Mammon, and there’s no reason to think they haven’t now.