Page 37 of The Reluctant Heir

The sound of Julien’s voice makes me jump.

“You scared me.” I put a hand to my racing heart as I watch my younger brother approach me.

He grins. “I noticed you have a visitor.”

I frown. “Yeah… the most boring guy in the world.”

“Prince Lucas is pretty boring,” he agrees. “You want me to come up with an excuse to ditch him?”

“Will you?” I give Julien my best smile. “You would be the best brotherever.”

“Sure.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “I’ll tell him you’re sick or something.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Vampires don’t get sick. Neither do succubi.”

“Yeah, but he doesn’t know succubi don’t get sick.” Julien grins and wiggles his eyebrows. “I got this, big sis.”

“Okay. Thanks.” I don’t care if an excuse is absurd—I don’t want to hang out with Prince Lucas. I’d rather do about anything else right now.

“No problem.”

I lean forward and hug Julien. “Even when Lucien comes back, you will still be my favorite brother.”

He chuckles, squeezing me tightly. “I will hold you to that, Maddie.”

I grin at his nickname for me. “You’re the best.”

11

A ROMANTIC DINNER FOR ONE

The table is set for two. There is a nice tablecloth and candles burning, but only one plate has food on it.

A romantic dinner forone.

I can’t hold back my grin, thankful that Julien got rid of Prince Lucas for me. I just dread seeing Kaine’s reaction—I’m sure he’s going to be very upset with me.

Still, not even my slight fear of Kaine can take away my delight. I take a bite of my chocolate mousse cheesecake and sigh. The chefs pulled out all the stops with tonight’s dinner.

“Princess Madeline,” a voice growls behind me.

I’ve never heard somebody use an honorific with such intense anger before.

I turn and offer Kaine a grin as I put another bite in my mouth. It’s hard to feel anything but blissful while eating dessert.

Kaine lifts an eyebrow. “Did you just moan?”

“Have you tried this chocolate mousse cheesecake? It’s the best thing that has ever passed my lips. You should try it.” I hold my plate closer to me. “But not mine. Get your own.”

He walks over and takes a seat across from me. In the soft candlelight, Kaine doesn’t look as broody.

Is he…smiling?

No, absolutely not. There is no way that the guy who accused me of murder the day we met is smiling at me. Scowling, possibly. But he’s definitely not smiling.

Kaine reaches his hand across the table and I watch him, curious what he’s about to do. But quicker than my eyes can follow, he snatches my fork from my hand and takes a large bite ofmycheesecake.

I growl at him.

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