In those months, her moods had swung dangerously between depression and aggression, her pain lashing inward and outward. There were days when she would scream at him in front of other people – his parents, his friends, his colleagues – almost as if a part of her was just waiting for him to give up on her.
But he never did.
The prince had never once lost his temper with her, had never raised his voice to her, had never walked out on her even when Fawn herself had found her own attitude unbearable.
When their gazes met again, she asked in a small voice, “Would you really always love me?”
The prince didn’t answer, but his lips slowly curved into a smile of wicked amusement.
Fawn wondered whether she should be confused or insulted.
And then the prince said under his breath, “You’re so damn sexy when you’re insecure.”
Oh!
A surprised giggle escaped her, and she demanded helplessly, “Do you only think of sex all the time?”
“Yes.” The prince’s gaze roamed over her face hungrily.
Oh.
Desire glittered in his beautiful emerald green eyes.
Desire.
There wasn’t anything in it that suggested he saw her as scarred, flawed, or damaged.
It was justdesire.
“Do you reallynotsee the scars...at all?” Her voice caught at the end, the unexpected twinge in her heart catching her by surprise.
“Don’t be foolish.” The prince’s voice was mildly chiding. “Of course I see them, angel.” His fingers traced her scars one by one. “I’m not blind.” They had faded over time, but they were far from invisible, and they were still remarkable enough to have people occasionally stop and stare. “I see them as good as any other person, but I see them differently.” Cupping her face, he drew her close until their lips brushed against each other.
Oh.
Her toes curled hard inside her shoes.
She knew she should be used to this, but she wasn’t. It was still so new to her, still felt surreal that nowallof the prince’s kisses were hers.
“I see the scars,” the prince whispered against her lips, “and I see how much you love me.” He kissed her hard. “I see them, and it makes me want to show you how much I loveyou—-”
The prince suddenly pulled away, cutting their kiss and leaving her blinking.
A moment later, and he had suddenly dragged her out of the chair, pulling her inside the temporary café.
The students inside gaped at them.
“Restroom?” the prince asked silkily.
One of the students pointed.
“Thank you.”
And before Fawn knew it, the prince had locked them inside the café booth’s restroom.
“P-prince?”
The prince didn’t answer, too busy unzipping himself.