Page 78 of Royally Tempted

She whirled and disappeared through the doorway.

I raised a brow at Cade.

“Shit,” he chuckled. “I hope Magnus knows what he’s into with that one.”

“I doubt it,” I snorted.

“Ready to go get the girl?”

“I’ve never been more ready.”

Chapter 10

Ilana

Iburstout of the side of the castle, the night air hitting me like a balm.

Don’t cry.

I refused to cry. I refused to give into the emotions raging through me. I’d lost, again. I’d given in, and believed the bullshit, and of course, I’d been wrong.

I’d followed what I hoped was my heart, only to be betrayed again.

Of course, two men like that weren’t after anything more than what I’d given so readily in that library. And I’d fallen for it hook, line, and sinker like a total freaking idiot.

I brushed through the gardens, still trying to keep the brimming tears from falling. I loved it out here — the high stone walls and the cover of the Japanese Maple and Cherry Blossom trees giving me cover, and secluding me away from all that bullshit.

I sighed as I slumped onto one of the stone benches, my hand clenching in my lap.

Maybe I needed to get away for a while — travel, dosomethingto take my mind off of all this. I mean, what had happened had been amazing, and I knew then with a twinge of even more bitterness that no man would ever live up to even one of the Charmings, let alone both of them together, like I’d had.

Not a chance.

I’d never come like that before, and I knew no sex would ever compare to that. Which sucked, because I wasnevergoing to see them again.

“Ilana.”

My heart jumped into my throat at the sound of them. My eyes darted around the dark garden as I stood, heart thumping as I considered running, or hiding in the bushes or—

“Wait, please.”

I whirled. There they stood, the moonlight bathing them in light.

“Please,” Cade said quietly, his jaw tight. “Don’t run. Just stay and listen.”

I shook my head. “Why should I?”

A single tear burned the corner of my eye, just looking at them like this. God Ihatedthat I’d been had like this.

“Stop,” Caspian shook his head. “Stop what you’re thinking, cause I can see it all over your face.”

“Look, sex is sex, okay?” I hissed. “I get it, alright? I get that—”

“What happened back there? With you and us?” Cade’s jaw tightened. “That wasnotjust sex, not by a fucking mile.”

They moved towards me, and I took a step back.

“Ilana,” Cade whispered, his eye holding mine. “Listen to what we’re saying. Youknowwe’re not lying.”

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