Page 69 of Heir of the Beast

He smiles and grabs my hand, turning it over to my wrist, and starts to tickle it slowly. I let him, eyeing him suspiciously. He looks up at me, studying my face.

“I never believe rumors, but I can’t help but get lost in the romance of this. The beautiful slave girl who catches the eye of the prince, and just happens to be a princess?”

He clicks his tongue. “Now that’s a rumor worth believing in.”

I chuckle at his serious expression.

That can only come from Fairy Godmother Inc.

He sits up straighter and nods his chin to Laura and the women she is walking with. She will not make eye contact with me, and I think I know why.

She may have the engagement, but I have Apollo’s interest. For now, anyway.

I know for a fact Laura has not given up yet. I can tell by the determination in her eyes when she is with Apollo—hanging on his arm, seductive looks whenever he gives her attention.

“Do you think you two will be friends now that you’re sisters?”

I snort, causing him to smile wide. I probably should not be so openly hateful.

He sighs. “I don’t blame you.”

I look at him, shifting my weight as I sip on my champagne. “You are very observant.”

Tarren sits up straighter and glances at me. “I am a writer, my lady. I have to be. It’s in my blood.” He pretends to think then winks at me.

“When Apollo and I were younger, he always made me do the negotiating. Well, you know, to convince the cooks to give us extra cakes and chocolates. That sort of thing.

“I could always read people very well, and it worked to my benefit almost always.”

I smile, thinking of the two young boys getting into trouble.

“Apollo always looked innocent, and me not so much. I had to convince my way out of everything, whereas Apollo just had to smile.” He chuckles again.

Tarren adjusts his white necktie, his broad shoulders similar to Apollo’s. I can tell they are related.

“Well, you developed lifelong skills it would seem,” I say, and take a sip, deciding I like Tarren.

“I keep telling myself that.” He smiles.

I laugh.

He glances at me, and I feel my cheeks heat as his eyes travel over me. “I know Apollo, and I can see why you have him hot and bothered. He always liked the dark and mysterious women.”

“And what do you like?”

He tilts his head. “We have the same tastes, which led to a lot of black eyes and brawls in our teenage years.”

I think for a second, trying to figure out Tarren and his motives.

He leans his head into my neck, lips barely grazing my skin, making me tense.

“If Apollo is such an idiot not to see what’s at stake here, allow me to court you. I, for one, am not daft, and I can try to erase whatever my idiot cousin has done to you.”

I doubt that, but I’m flattered. Tarren is handsome, but not on the level of Apollo.

Now, don’t yell at me yet. I do understand it’s not all about looks. But I also feel alive when next to Apollo, like electricity courses through my body and soul. I don’t get that with Tarren.

It’s hard to explain, but I light up by just thinking of Apollo. I have it bad, and the fever is not going away anytime soon.

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