Chapter 10 – Alex #2
“Is that why you’re delivering my breakfast?” I ask, taking a step closer to her, gently lifting her chin so she’ll finally meet my gaze. “Spitfire,” I whisper, “are you all right?” I drink her in. It feels like it’s been forever.
She grits her teeth, glaring at me. “If there’s nothing else you need, sir, I really must be on my way.”
I hate the power imbalance. I hate when she throws up this wall and puts me above her. Perhaps if I used my title, I could make her stay, but that’s the last thing I want. I want her to stay because she longs to be near me too. Did she miss me as much as I missed her?
Her nose wrinkles and her lips curl in disgust. “You reek of cheap perfume and poor decisions, Lord Grey. Might I suggest a bath?”
“It’s not what it looked like.”
“It makes no difference to me how you spend your nights, but some of us have to breathe the air we’re sharing, and it’s not . . . pleasant.”
I let go of her chin and step back, guilt trickling through my veins. I should never have picked up that damned pouch.
“I’ll send someone to assist you,” she continues, backing away from me. “Return to your princess.”
“Sera, no, please. You have it all wrong. I’m not betrothed.”
She lifts a brow. “As I said, it makes no difference to me.”
Before I can respond, she turns on her heel and walks away, leaving me forlorn. Aching. She somehow managed to reject me all over again.
Her anger hides her pain; at least she thinks it does. She’s hurt, and I don’t blame her, but I also don’t owe her anything. She made it perfectly clear she has no need for me, that there is no future for us, so why can’t I let her go?
Heading back to my chambers, I curse my weakness. I never should have gotten so carried away with the vespira root. Clearly it impaired my judgment if I ended up in bed with the dancer.
My stomach grumbles unhappily as the scent of my ruined breakfast hits my nostrils. Hells. I pull the bell, calling for someone to bring fresh food. I doubt Sera will send any.
“Alllexxx,” a voice calls sleepily from the bedroom.
I make my way to the door and peer in. She’s completely nude, splayed out for me like a gift.
My stomach roils, and I break out into a cold sweat.
Gods. I look away, keeping my eyes trained on the ceiling, anything to avoid the sight of her.
The scent of burning vespira stings my nostrils, and I curse.
“Smoking already?” I grit out, hating myself for wanting to join her.
That was a one time thing. I don’t need it.
“Come, it helps with the hangover. I promise,” she says.
“I’m fine, thanks,” I reply, heading straight for my bathing room. I need a bath, as Sera so kindly reminded me.
The gentle patter of footsteps follows me. This girl cannot take a hint. Bare arms wrap around my middle and she squeezes.
“Come on, Alex. We need to continue where we left off.”
“I’m afraid I’m quite busy today,” I lie. “You’re welcome to bathe after me if you need to, but I must be headed out shortly.”
I carefully pry her hands off me and move toward the wash basin in front of the sink, splashing my face with cold water.
“You’re an absolute bore,” she declares. “I’d prefer to bathe in my own chambers, but thank you.”
I mutter a reply, avoiding looking in the mirror. I really don’t need to see her breasts. Again.
Her footsteps pad away, and I sigh a breath of relief.
For a moment, I wasn’t quite sure if she would leave; she’s quite persistent.
I finally glance into the mirror and am almost shocked at my reflection.
I look haggard, tired. I could use a decent shave.
But worst of all, my eyes have a darkness in them.
Depression seeps through my pores. A sudden craving burns in my gut, and I call out, “Hey, wait!”
The dancer’s blonde head pokes back in, and to my relief, she is clothed. Mostly. “What?”
“Leave the pipe and the root.”
She opens her mouth as if to protest, but I hold up a hand. “I’ll send payment.”
Looking pleased, she nods. “Let me know if you’d like company later.” Her eyes gleam with lust as she undresses me with her eyes.
I hold back a shudder. “Thank you.”
She crosses the room swiftly, tugging my face to hers and plastering an unwanted kiss to my lips. She bites down, and I grunt, pulling away.
“Goodbye.”
“Until later.” She winks.
The second she walks out of view, I splash my face again, trying to wash her scent and taste off me. I hate that I allowed her to take such liberties, but another part of me just doesn’t care. I’m a mess.
“Lord Grey.” The welcome voice of my valet breaks into my mental flogging.
“Thank the gods you’re here, Turner.” I sigh. “I accidentally dropped my breakfast tray.”
“No trouble, my lord. I’ll make sure a fresh one is brought up immediately,” he says. “You’d like to bathe as well?”
“Yes, please,” I reply. Though exhaustion hits me and I just want to crawl back into my bed.
Turner gets to work drawing the bath, and I slip into my bed chamber, grabbing the pipe from the bedside table.
Blocking out every voice in my head telling me what a terrible idea this is, I hold it over the flame again.
When I inhale the smoke, I allow it to sweep me away .
. . far away from the memory of Sera’s angry violet eyes.