Page 57 of The Nymph Prince

Questions buzzed in my skull. Why did he fear me forgetting him? Where was he planning to go? Why had he been crying when he’d returned to his room the night before? Perhaps I needed to pay Eva a little visit and demand that she tell me what I wished to know.

I slipped out of bed, wincing only slightly at the sting in my backside.

It’d been a while since a man had taken me in that way. The only time I ever gave during sex was when my partners were women. Other than that, I preferred the feel of a hard cock in my ass.

I’d wanted Alek to claim me. To dominate me and make me his. Not that we’d needed to have sex in order for me to belong to him. I was his from the very first day I’d seen him standing at the bow of the pirate ship.

I retrieved my shirt from where I’d tossed it on the floor and hunted for my trousers. Quickly, I dressed and checked my reflection in the looking glass. I was unsure of the time, but Malik would kill me if he went to my chamber and found me missing. Well, he’d start a manhunt andthenhe’d kill me once he knew I was safe.

Satisfied with my appearance, I opened the door.

And ran into Malik’s back.

He turned and arched his brow. “Good morrow, my prince. I hope rest found you well.”

“It was splendid.” I rubbed my forehead where his armor had poked it. “I’m surprised you didn’t send a search party for me.”

“Why would I when I knew where you were? Your cries of pleasure could be heard all through the corridor.”

“Oh.” I pursed my lips in an attempt to suppress my smug grin. “Do you know where Alek is?”

“In the back courtyard with Eva,” Malik answered.

Alek hadn’t mentioned that he was meeting with her again. They’d spoken for hours the previous day. What more was there for them to talk about? A strange feeling bubbled in the pit of my stomach.

Jealousy. I’d never felt it before.

“Take me to them,” I said.

Malik bowed his head, placed his hand on his dagger, and walked with me down the corridor.

What would I witness when I entered the courtyard? Did Alek fancy Eva? He’d sure seemed interested inmethe night before, but what if she had something I couldn’t give him? I suppose she had many things I couldn’t give him. They shared a bond with magic, and so she could be his teacher as well as his lover.

A growl rumbled through my chest.

“Lor?” Troy stepped in front of me, and my footsteps halted. “Are you well?”

“Do you know why your sister and Alek meet in secret?”

“Meet in secret?” Troy cocked his head. “No, she’s teaching him.”

Just as I feared.Oh, gods grant me serenity, for I was about to punch someone.

I moved past him toward the stairs, descending them two at a time. My heavy steps echoed through the foyer as I charged toward the back terrace that led to the courtyard. A stinging pricked at my eyes, and I gritted my teeth as my heart ached over the betrayal.

Malik trailed me, knowing better than trying to stop me.

After reaching the door, I slung it open and stormed outside. Red filled my vision and the tips of my fingers tingled. I hadn’t considered what I’d do when I found them. If Ididcatch them during a moment of passion, could I really hurt Eva? She was like a sister to me. Could I harm Alek, who I knew without a shadow of a doubt was my soulmate?

Alek’s dark hair came into view. He was facing away from me. Eva stood in front of him, much too close for my liking. As I treaded closer, I saw that their hands were clasped together.

My heart cracked.

“Loo-loo?” Eva asked upon seeing me. I’d always found her to be gorgeous with her blonde hair and big blue eyes. Most beautiful was her gentle soul.

“Do not call me that,” I snapped before dropping my gaze to their joined hands.

Alek focused on me and his expression didn’t read as someone who was caught in some act of wrongdoing. No, it rang of confusion. He released Eva’s hand and turned toward me. “Why are you angry?”