Page 151 of XOXO

“What did you have in mind?” He moved a step closer, his huge palm pressed against the door behind her, trapping her against the wood with his massive body.

She couldn’t stop the low whimper that escaped her throat, her lips trembling as she stared at his. His gold-capped tusks didn’t deter her desire to kiss him. They seemed like a challenge. She had no doubt she’d succeed if she tried, but in the back of her mind, her rational side was screaming at her that this was her king, not some random male at a bar.

“T-tea?” Her voice was so breathy, she wondered if he heard it.

The smile that crossed his face told her he did. “Tea? That’s what you’re craving right now?”

She swallowed hard, trying not to breathe since his scent was overwhelming her. “Your father always wanted tea around this time.”

He sobered slowly, nodding with a sigh. “I’m trying to follow in his footsteps, so I guess I should pick up some of his habits, right?”

“No,” she defended him instantly. “You don’t have to be just like him. You just need to be yourself. You’re going to be a fantastic king. I know it.”

“You think so?” The gentle curve of those lips she was lusting after made her legs feel like noodles.

“I know so.”

“Well at least someone has faith in me.” He stepped away from her, taking his heat with him and leaving her feeling cold and bereft. “That’s more than I can say for myself.”

“You’ll see,” she told him, reaching trembling fingers out toward his arm. He watched them, his lips slightly parted, but she yanked her hand back before she touched him. “You were born for this.”

He snorted out a laugh, his gaze still on the hand she’d pulled away. “Maybe we can have that tea. Will you join me?”

Startled, she was already nodding before she could stop herself, hurrying away from him toward the kitchen. When she got there, she leaned heavily against the wall, pretending she hadn’t just thrown herself at the king. “Know your place.” She gasped the words, squeezing her eyes shut as she remembered how good he looked leaning over her.

I don’t know if I can do this.

Chapter Three

“You realize that these titles are just for show?” Maximus was telling her as he paced in front of Cassandra while she sipped at her tea. “I asked them to put it to a vote but they refused. The people refused to vote because it would mean someone would have to contend against me!”

“I know,” she nodded. “I signed the petition.”

He turned incredulous eyes her way. “You signed the damn petition against democracy?”

She bit her lip to stop her smile, but she knew it showed anyway. “Honestly Max, is it a bad thing that we want you to lead us?”

He sighed, sitting heavily on the sofa next to her. “I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. I’m just saying that I shouldn’t be the only option.”

“I know quite a few ambitious ministers who’d love to go against you.” She turned toward him, tucking her feet under her—having slipped off her shoes at some point. “And I’d hate to think of them having access to the amount of power the crown wields. They’re nothing but selfish idiots.”

She’d forgotten all about decorum, getting comfortable as she listened to Maximus vent about his new role. They’d started with tea and it had somehow progressed into him confiding in her.

Cassandra didn’t even know what time it was. It only felt like a few minutes had passed, but the tea was cold and bitter and there was a gentle glow coming from behind the drapes that covered the windows.

“Tell me something I don’t know.” He rolled his eyes, leaning back into the cushions of the sofa, tilting his head so he could look at her. “Thanks for listening to me, Cass.”

She shrugged, her cup rattling as she put it down, suddenly hyper-aware that she was so close to him.

“And there you go again,” he groaned, tipping his head back so he was glaring at the opulent ceiling. “Getting awkward around me.”

“I’m not awkward,” she argued. “I just… there are rules.”

“Yes, so you’ve said.” He sighed. “I don’t know why we can’t be friends. You didn’t want to be my friend when we were younger either.”

She gaped at him. “What’re you talking about?”

“The first time I tried to talk to you, you ran away from me.” She watched his strong throat and chest move as he laughed. “I thought I was some kind of fiend, scaring a child.”

---