Page 47 of Princess Broken

I’ve only walked in high heels a few times—I never saw their attraction in spite of my diminutive height—and I’ve only wore them while wearing loose fitting gowns. But after I put the shoes on, Gracen complimented my backside in the dress, and I glanced at myself in the three-way mirror. So it’s easy to imagine the men’s view of me now.

I should feel ashamed, I should remember my modesty, but instead I feel powerful.

It’s clear that I can’t overpower these men with my combat or martial arts skills—even if I’m faster and more agile, perhaps better trained—and it’s even more clear that normal forms of diplomacy will do me no good. Gracen called the men psychos.

Sexuality might be my best weapon.

One way or another, I need to escape.

“You got a bunch of other dresses like that one in here?” Flame shakes the bag of clothes and winks at me.

I shake my head.

“It sure makes you look different.” He looks down at me with both lust and admiration in his eyes.

“Have you always been interested in fire?” I need to change the subject. Put him at ease.

“Guess so,” he says, as if it’s the first time someone has asked him that question. “Don’t remember a time when I wasn’t.”

“How long have you been a vampire?” I say turning toward him. “If it’s not too personal.”

“A couple of hundred years, more or less.”

If I had to guess, Flame was in his mid twenties when he was turned. His features are youthful, but he would have needed adequate time past puberty to develop his massive build. Flame’s complexion is light, even lighter than mine, making me think he saw little sun before he was turned.

“How long have you been a vampire?” he asks.

I look into his eyes to make sure he’s not teasing me. “You really don’t know?”

“Should I?”

I smile. “No, of course not, it’s just that…”

“You’re a princess.”

I feel foolish. “Yes, I suppose I am used to others knowing more about me than I know about them.”

“That’s gotta be awkward.”

My smile widens and my heart warms toward Flame. “Yes. It can be awkward.”

He winks. “You don’t need to tell me anything you don’t want to, darling.”

“Darling?” I cock my head to the side.

He laughs. “Just a word. Didn’t mean to offend.”

I squeeze his arm and the muscles of his forearm twitch like snapping bands of steel under my palm, making me wonder what his skin feels like under his long-sleeved shirt.

We reach the entrance to their quarters, the lasers scan us and the door opens for Flame.

“You didn’t offend me,” I assure him as we walk through the atrium of their quarters. “Not in the least. It’s just that…I suppose no one has ever called me darling before.”

“Not even your mate?”

I turn my head away, guilt flooding my body. Lying to these men is a necessary evil until I am safely returned home.

“I’m so sorry.” Stopping, Blade steps in front of me and then kneels, taking my hands in his. “I shouldn’t have mentioned your loss. It’s too soon. Please forgive me.”

---