Page 85 of Heir of the Beast

“You sure?”

“Blondes do not get all the fun, that’s a myth.”

“Thanks, Mort.”

“You’re welcome, human.”

Once I leave my room, I am followed by six guards and five maids, including Mort. All eyes are on me, and I faintly wonder if this was Queen Irena’s doing.

I might as well be queen for all the fuss over me.

Whatever.

I look killer in my riding outfit, and I am going to play the part despite Laura. I walk with my head held high and descend the massive staircase as I pull up half of my shimmering skirts.

As I round a large pillar that the stairs wrap around, I suddenly see two incredible male specimens at the bottom.

I feel a bit lightheaded when I see Apollo’s magnificent figure come into focus. I do not linger though and focus my attention on Tarren who is looking handsome in light gray riding finery.

I feel my skin prickle as I near them, and my heart misses beats with every shaky breath.

Why do I always do this when Apollo is present?

I can see Tarren’s eyes widen when his gaze travels over my body. Another one knocked out of the ballpark for Pierce. I hear Laura’s voice and I can’t look just yet; I just focus on Tarren.

If I look at Apollo, I might make a fool of myself and stutter or something. I would not put it past me to yell something incoherent.

I hear Apollo murmur pleasantries with Laura, and my smile just widens as I stare at Tarren. He takes my scarlet glove and brings his lips to it.

“You are jaw-dropping,” he says with a wink.

I can’t say anything, feeling eyes on us.

“Sister,” I hear Laura say from behind me.

It takes everything I have in my body to turn my head in her direction.

~Smile, idiot.~

I force a smile and see Laura’s innocent blue eyes, all doe-like.

She is hanging on Apollo’s arm like they have been lovers for forever. Apollo is leaning slightly against the wall looking amused, a ghost of a smirk on his handsome features.

Gosh, he is sexy. There is no other way to describe him with his easy swagger and arrogance. The expression on his face says, ~Tell me your secrets and this all stops, Angel…~

His gorgeous hair is tied back save for a few tantalizing curly strands, and his dark, forbidden gaze sears me. I feel his intensity as his gaze lowers, sweeping over my body.

My cheeks heat as I look at Laura’s narrowed eyes. “Sister.”

“What lovely riding habit,” she says, “but I wonder if it is practical.” She laughs lightly, but I can see jealousy in her eyes.

Tarren says, as he touches the tight fabric at my arm, “Stunning. Feels very durable to me.” He tugs at the material jokingly.

I laugh and slap his hand. “My Lord, you’ll rip it!”

“If it rips that easily, I will have to thank the dressmaker personally.” He winks at me, the meaning well understood.

“Let us go before Tarren embarrasses himself anymore,” says Apollo in a clipped tone.

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