Page 68 of Between Realms

I would laugh off my body’s response if Jaden wasn’t acting so fiercely serious. He almost feels feral at the moment. To be honest, so do I.

Our lips are only an inch apart, and I briefly wonder if he might commit the forbidden act of intimacy with a human.

Or is this another one of his self-defense challenges to train me? Am I supposed to break from his hold? If so, I don’t want to try.

Stars! Am I in heat? Do humans go into heat? If I am, it could be the reason I’m attracting so much unlikely physical contact from these males.

Then reality crashes over me. Hecannotbe attracted to a mortal.

I make a weak attempt to push him away. “Let me go. The prince is causing himself grief by having me attend this stupid ball.”

“Yes, no doubt he is… for all of us.” Jaden shrugs, still holding me close. “But he wants you there. And the prince gets what he wants. Whether it’s good for him or for anyone else.” His words are loaded. He narrows his violet eyes, piercing my resolve to fight. “Isn’t that right, love?”

I gulp, then steady myself and push on his chest to encourage him to let me down. “I just want to live out my simple and short life in Betonie.”

Jaden doesn’t yield to my nudging, and instead, his violet eyes glow. He looks at me like he might take a bite out of me. “I believe that’s what youthoughtyou wanted when you arrived, but you want more now. Don’t you?”

I bristle at his statement. Why the shift in his attitude? What could he possibly think that I could expect out of all this? I know the ridiculousness of even what has happened so far. Besides being a lowly peasant, I am a despised human servant as well.

As I wiggle to break free, his sugary spicy scent fills the air again.

His mouth parts ever so slightly, and I see the words ready on his lips. He’s longing to say more about how I’ve turned greedy. I suppose I am greedy and needy since I dream of a life where all three males are mine. I wish they could see me as a potential mate, even if for a brief moment.

Jaden looks away, softening his hold, and sighs wearily. “Youaregoing to your dress fitting,” he says apologetically. “Fight with the prince later if you think it will do any good in changing his mind. But I have my orders.” He releases me.

As I brush off his hold, he smirks at me likeI’mthe dramatic one. I glare at him. “What? You wrinkled my dress before I’m to meet a royal dressmaker!”

Jaden frowns and begins his fast pace again in the direction we had originally been heading.

I rush after him. “Why are you mad at me?”

“What makes you think I’m mad at you?” Jaden asks, his handsome brow crinkles in confusion. His dark hair falls into his face as he turns toward me.

I wave off his question. “Don’t worry, I won’t mention your ire for me to the prince.”

Jaden chuckles to himself. “Tell him whatever you wish.” He shrugs again, but I don’t believe his nonchalance. “I don’t have a problem with you, but I am concerned about theprince’sobsession with you.”

“Obsession?” It’s my turn to laugh now. “I’m nothing more than a passing amusement, likely forgotten a moment after I’m sent away. And my novelty will wear off soon. Let’s hope it’sbeforethe party.”

“Doubtful.” A grin with a twinkle in his eye breaks through his aloof attitude. “You’re pretty novel.”

I suck back a breath. He’s stunning when he smiles. As a distraction from his disarmingly good looks, I ask, “Is that why you’re so quiet today? You’re worried about hisobsessionbecoming a problem?”

“The predominant Elven thought is that humans are dim-witted, unattractive, and violent. But that isn’t the case, and especially not with you. These elves don’t want their preconceived conceptions to be challenged.” Jaden takes a deep breath. “So no, I don’t agree with his blatant flaunting of your presence to irritate the other powers that be, but I completely understand the prince’s fascination and insistent curiosity in… exploring your depths.”

I don’t know how to respond to that statement. Is he saying he is interested in having sex with me, too? Or just that I aminteresting?

“Has the prince fully explored…” Jaden pauses.

“Mydepths?” I huff, increasing my speed to somehow pull ahead of Jaden’s long Elven strides. “You should ask him.”

“It’s just… I smellyouon him. And vice versa.”

I stop dead in my tracks and make a face as I feel myself heat with embarrassment. I sniff my arm. “Really?What do you mean?” I play innocent.

“Your…perfumewas clinging to him this morning.” Jaden quickens his pace down the hall, forcing me to catch up.

“Perfume?” It’s then I realize Jaden detects Eldrin had kissed me between my legs. Is it creepy that Jaden knows myscent? Do I want him to know my scent?

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