Page 59 of The Ballad of the Vampire Prince

“That—that thing you did to my spine the other night, can you do it again?” I don’t recognize the trembling voice coming from my throat. “My legs are sore.”

I hate using my stupid, maimed ankle as an excuse, but I just know that if he leaves now, someone loses their life.

My pride can take it.

Of course, it’s a foolish request. He doesn’t have to do anything for me.

Svenn’s glacial expression slowly cracks. Two breaths pass before he finally says, “Of course, Nel.”

I barely get to release a breath of relief when he suddenly scoops me into his arms. “Wait… what is this? Put me down.”

“I thought you said your legs hurt.”

“Yes, but I can still walk!” I push against his chest. His muscles seem to be carved out of stone.

“You will let me carry you.” His voice is slightly rough around the edges. “Or there’s an easier way we can do this.”

I pause when I see that spark in his eyes.

“Don’t you dare,” I warn him.

He’s going to hoist me over his shoulder the way he did in the forbidden forest. Lord Wesley’s guards will not take it too kindly if they see that. I don’t want my knights or anyone to intervene and lose their life.

I cease struggling.

We move from the courtyard, to the kitchen, to the hallways. Embarrassment rushes to my head and I lift my hands to cover my face. “Svenn, people are staring.”

A slow smirk lifts the corner of his lips. “Let them. We’re husband and wife.”

That’s right… We are technically newlyweds.

Heat scorches my cheeks when I am reminded that this is the way grooms carry their brides. But I don’t protest when he secures me closer into his broad chest. He smells like the fresh ocean breeze back home. I let myself drown in his intoxicating scent and warmth. Just like that, I am ensnared like a helpless fly caught in a spider’s web.

The moment we reach our room, I wrestle against him like a hellcat. He plants my feet carefully on the floor and I shoot straight towards the bath chamber without looking back.

I shut the door, heave a breath, and turn on the lever for hot water. Once the malachite crystal tub is filled to the brim, I strip off my clothes and slide inside. The warm bath feels like heaven after a long day.

I lean back against the tub to calm myself and let my thoughts drift. If the assassin is smart, he should skip town while he still can. I take a long bath to waste as much time as possible. Maybe Svenn won’t go looking for the Grimsbane if it gets too late. Then again, he might get tired of waiting and simply leave right now.

He has no obligation to stay.

I might be imagining it, but there’s a certain affection in the way he looks at me lately. Just the mere memory of our time inthe cavern has me flushing. Being in his arms made me forget all the horrors and worries in my mind.

For a moment back then, I think he wanted to kiss me.

Worse.

I had wanted him to kiss me. I still do.

So badly.

I don’t know whether I’m disappointed or relieved at the interruption. The phantom brush of his lips lingers on my wrist. His bite had hurt at first, but right after that a blissful sensation took over. I poke at the invisible spot and a wicked thrill floods my veins.

It feels sensitive, numb, and… good.

I press my lips there and I swear it sends a pulse straight down between my thighs. My hand reaches down to soothe the ache I feel below. I close my eyes and clamp my mouth on to my wrist.

In my mind, it is Svenn that I’m kissing, it is him toying with me with his fingers and his tongue.