Page 82 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

Verian looked between the two of them, uneasiness replacing the lust from just a moment ago.

The High Consul directed his ruby gaze to him with a toothy grin.

“You put on quite a show, soldier.” A glance at his crotch, then back to his face. “I see why she likes you.”

Vita grumbled, though her lip twitched ever so slightly as if she wanted to smile.

She emphasized every word as she spoke. “Why are you here?”

With a huff, the High Consul rolled his eyes. “To make sure you’re safe, of course. And I wanted to speak with your friend. I didn’t think you two would jump on each other like rabbits, but I suppose I should have known better. The lust of youth.”

Verian quirked his brow as the High Consul approached, appraising him with glowing eyes. His touch was cold as he reached out a hand to cup Verian’s cheek, brushing a thumb over his lips.

“So handsome, yes, I see why Vita likes you…”

Every muscle in his body tensed, though from discomfort or desire, he wasn’t certain. A mixture of both, the shameless flirtations and icy touch of an attractive man making Verian feel as small as a clueless youth trying to hide his true self.

The High Consul lowered his hand, then continued.“We are having a small Edosal celebration at the palace tomorrow evening. I’m certain that Vita would be ever so pleased if you would grace us with your presence.Iwould be pleased too. I’d like to… get to know you better, the one who is so dear to my darling girl.”

Edosal, the first harvest festival, signaling the approach of autumn. This felt like a trap, something in Verian’s training making him prickle with anxiety. And yet the High Consul was captivating, ensnaring him in a way only Vita ever had. She glanced at Verian and he knew she wanted him to come, wanted to please the man despite the way he played with her heart.

The High Consul lowered his gaze. “Will you join us, Verian dear?”

“Yes,” he answered, hoping he could speak privately with the High Consul about what the Praetor had said. There was no sense in worrying Vita with these things, not with all that was going through her head right now. “I will be there.”

Vita gave his hand a squeeze, then pulled him into a tight hug. Verian sighed into her, brushing his fingers through her hair. With a final sweet kiss, she released him, walking to the High Consul and standing by his side.

“I look forward to seeing more of you,” he purred as he took her hand and pulled her into the night.

CHAPTER 35

Vita

LIVIA HAD LEFT A special outfit with Vita, one that Renatus wanted her to wear to hiscelebrationthis evening. The most beautiful one yet.

And the most risqué.

When she slipped into the dress, the sight startled her, unsure how she could wear something like it in public. As black as the night, with a neckline that cut so deep it almost grazed her stomach. Two silken bands—red like the blood that had dripped from Renatus’ lips—spared her from exposure, circling under her bust and around her waist. The straps of the dress tied at her neck, leaving her back uncovered, and long slits ran up each of her legs, threatening to reveal all with every swish.

Vita was having a difficult time focusing as she paced the room. Livia had instructed her to stay put until she was called upon, and the hour grew late, her candles melting to stumps. What celebration did Renatus have planned, and why had he invited Verian?

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the thought of the two of them.

Last night…

Last night had been unexpected, but not unwelcome. The thrill of being on her knees in front of Verian had only heightened when Renatus made his presence known. It shouldn’t have surprised her. Not with the erotic gratification she’d felt when he watched her with Petran and Aurora.

The compulsion to watch and be watched—two things Vita had not known lie dormant within her—blossomed with exposure. The only way it could have been better? If Renatus had gotten on his knees with her and helped her please Verian.

Gods. These thoughts she was having… they were brazen,frustrating.

In more ways than one.

Renatus had made up his mind, been clear with his intentions. Imagining him in bed with her and Verian, intimate in ways other than just sex, was fruitless. He wanted her body, and nothing more, an arrangement she had a difficult time accepting. A casual dalliance with a man only interested in sex was one thing, but she’d gotten her heart involved, as much as she tried to deny it.

A light knock at the door stirred her from her thoughts.

“Come in,” she muttered and Aurora entered, an absolute vision in dark blue.

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