Page 166 of The Throne Seeker

He clenched his teeth. “I… I can’t tell you. I’m bound not to.”

His refusal to answer caught her off guard. She didn’t know anyone able to resist the lotus’s effects. How was that even possible? Unless… unless it was magic. She didn’t have time to dwell on it as he continued.

“You can’t just go off looking for these men on your own. It’s not safe.” His eyes narrowed. “What the hell are you doing? Is this the only reason you came here?”

“No,” she replied, surprising herself. She fought the clawing words coming out. “I… I was curious to see what you were like.”

He stepped forward boldly, closing the gap between their bodies, peering down at her with his dazzling blue eyes. “And have you liked what you’ve seen?” he asked in a dangerous whisper.

Her heart pounded into her rib cage. “I like you more than I thought I would… Do you like me?” she couldn’t help but ask.

Stupid.

His eyes grew softer, his voice submissive. “Yes,” he answered. He slid his hands around her, pulling her closer. “Even though a million red flags are going off in my head. You can understand why I’m having a hard time trusting you.”

A wise decision. “Perhaps you shouldn’t.”

“Oh, I know I shouldn’t,” he agreed, interlacing his fingers with her hair. “But I’ve always been a risk taker, and I believe you are worth the risk.” His eyes flickered down to her lips, begging for them. She didn’t have to move as Felix’s lips molded with hers, opening and closing in controlled motions—he really did kiss well.

He panted for air as he said, “I need to know more.”

“More about what?”

“You.” His hands cupped her jaw. “This man you loved, do you still love him?”

She meant to say no, but instead, she said, “Yes, but he’s married to another.”

“So who was the hooded man who visited you in the tent? Is he someone you have feelings for?”

So he’d been watching.

“Yes.” She ignored how her pulse quickened at the confession.

“So I have competition. Of course I do. How could I not, with a girl like you?” The fact clearly only made him more determined. “How much do you like him?”

The powder’s effects tugged on her, but she simply said, “A lot.”

The fact darkened his eyes. “That won’t do.”

Her brow twitched. “What?”

“I couldn’t possibly share you… and what’s more is I know you feel something for me, too.” His ragged voice came closer, enough to feel his warm breath on her skin. “You wouldn’t have kissed me if you didn’t.”

Rose’s heart sank, knowing where this would lead but not wanting to hurt him. She pulled away. “It’s getting late. I should go. My aunt will wonder where I am.”

“Don’t be scared of me,” he pleaded, pulling her back into him.

“I’m not,” she replied with a sure voice. “It’s only back home they’ll worry about me. I should go before it gets late.”

“You’re more than welcome to come home with me.” Moretti stroked her cheek with his thumb. “Forever, if that’s what you wish.”

Her mouth parted, hanging open, dumbfounded, knowing he was completely serious. “You barely know me. How are you so sure you’d want me to stay?”

He remained close, hovering over her lips. “Because I’ve heard your voice, tasted your lips, and looked into those eyes. I know what I want. And I take what I want.”

She swallowed hard. “I can’t stay.”

“I want you to stay, but I don’t want to scare you. So please give me something to hold on to. Promise me you’ll come back.” Begging seemed foreign to him. “I can’t just let you disappear.”