Chapter 25. Bargains.
Roxanne and Florence rode through the night forest—a few yards before me and Francis—deep in a conversation I tried not to listen to, allowing them privacy. Francis and I did not spill a single word.
I knew he wasn't thrilled about me entering into any agreements with Caleb, yet I was not one to apologize for doing what was helpful. Besides, I hadn’t sought Caleb on my own accord, and truly had forgotten about my bargain with him to ever mention it.
I glanced at Francis as he lit up a pipe in his mouth. His eyes met mine before averting his gaze to our company.
“Cordelia.” Florence turned on her horse to face me. “I have this beautiful purple dress that I think would suit you well. You should try it on when we are home.”
“I would love to.” A small smile turned the corners of my lips upward.
“Perhaps you could wear it to the ball!” Florence beamed. “If you like it, of course,” she added as we rode out of the woods, towards the Bloodlake Castle.
“Thank you, Florence.” I nodded. “And I'm sure I will love it.”
The sunshine smile stretched on Florence’s face before she dismounted her horse, walking into the stables.
I freed Annabelle of the saddle, fighting with the old, rusty belts before carefully setting it at its designated place in the stables. By the time I succeeded, the stables had emptied, leaving Francis as my only company.
He leaned on the threshold, watching my every move. “May I read the letter, Princess?” He murmured.
“No.” I tried to walk past him without sparing him a glance.
Francis chuckled at my reply. “I don’t appreciate you scheming behind my back, love.” He caught my wrist, yanking me to the side until our bodies pressed against each other.
My body caught aflame under his piercing gaze; his eyes darkened, filled with trouble. The kind of trouble my body begged for, the kind of trouble I was eager to entertain.
“I wasn’t scheming.” My voice filled with an unfamiliar mischief. Our faces were inches from each other. “I didn't think he would actually bring us the daggers.”
He crooked his head to one side, a smirk decorating his face. “Then why don't you tell me what’s in the letter?” His lips still carried the drops of blood from the tavern. The red tint bothered my body more than I cared to admit.
“Because, while there is nothing of importance, it would still upset you.” My fingers toyed with the collar of his shirt against my permission—I cared not to move them away.
Francis’ thumb brushed over my chin, lightning erupted in my insides. “I can handle myself,” his voice turned sultry.
“Can you now?” I teased. “You have to trust me, Francis. Unless—” My eyes narrowed on his, watching his reaction to what I was about to propose. “You wish to exchange this letter for the one you wrote for me?”
“What letter?” The crease in between his brows deepened.
“The letter I saw in your room.” My fingers moved up to his neck, as though they had a mind of their own, caressing his soft skin. “The one addressed to me.”
“Ah.” Francis threw a glance at my lips, his hands pressing me closer. “Bargaining, are we?” His husky voice swept through me.
I shrugged, “I learned from the best.” Our lips were so close, it was a miracle—and my deepest disappointment—they didn’t touch.
Francis chuckled, then sighed as his thumb brushed over my lower lip. “The bastard wrote nothing of importance, do you promise me?”
Disappointment at his refusal to show me what he’d written washed over me. “Is that a no?”
“Sorry to disappoint.” He shook his head. “So? Do you promise there is nothing I need to know?”
“Hm...” A mischievous smile spread across my lips. “Who knows what is in that letter,” I teased. “Perhaps a promise to murder me in my sleep...”
“Cordelia.” Francis’ voice dropped a few octaves, his thumb freezing under my chin.
I laughed at his expression. “I might have another proposition for our exchange.” I couldn’t believe the words I was saying.
“Is that so?”
I bit my lower lip before the words spilled. “A kiss?”
Francis chuckled, though his eyes turned darker, giving away his true feelings.
“Come now, Princess, your kiss is worth far more than some letter.” He moved closer, our lips brushing against each other.
“I would give you my whole life if you wished me to, just to taste your lips once more,” he said as his lips pressed against mine, the taste of him spreading through my bones.
A muffled moan escaped my throat. Warmth filled my insides; I wanted to scream in delight, unable to control the growing desire.
His tongue toyed with mine; the flowers bloomed in reply, wrecking everything in their path.
Francis growled against my lips, deepening our kiss.
My teeth pierced his tongue, allowing his blood to slip into my mouth. A cry escaped me as I melted into his hold.
“Francis,” I rasped, breaking our kiss.
“Yes, love,” he whispered against my lips.
“I want—” I swallowed, my hands wrapping around his neck. “I need you.” I found his dreamy eyes with mine. “Please.” I caressed the scar on his jaw. “Please.”
“You needn’t plead with me, love.” His lips planted on my forehead. “There is nothing I would want more in my life than to have you in my arms.”
A smile stretched my lips despite the trembling in my hands. My fingers wrapped around his as we walked into the castle, up the stairs, all the way to my room.