Page 64 of A Bond in Blood

Olen’s dark eyes stared back at me, an unfamiliar concern flashing across his gaze.

“Forget what?” he asked. His finger brushed my lip.

“Everything,” I whispered.

His hands landed on my hips holding tightly while I moved in circles. Then he was lifting me, placing me on his leg.

“This is not very proper, princess,” he chuckled.

I breathed in, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Olen, I am not a pure virgin. I am a woman withneedsand both you and Ulrich have continually claimed I should partake in the nightly activities.”

Olen’s eyes glistened and a smile graced the corner of his lip. He dipped closer, placing his lips against my neck.

“Dance,” he ordered.

“Thank you,” I replied, grateful for the control he was allowing me.

The tips of my toes barely reached the floor being raised on his leg, but I did as he said. I moved. Circling my hips on his thigh. Bringing a quick ache tight in my belly. A plea for release.

“Are we becoming friends?” I asked, shouting over the music.

“Are we?” he replied with a grin.

I returned the grin, throwing my head back while I moved. His hands held my hips in place. The size of his palms was maddening while his fingers rested against my soft, lower stomach.

“Your curves,” he groaned. “Gods.”

“They are magnificent.”

My eyes snapped open, and I stopped moving. Olen didn’t move, but he winked as his eyes traveled behind my head.

“Your grace,” he said, tilting down his chin.

I turned my head, finding the king I was trying to forget standing right behind me.

“Ulrich,” I said coldly.

“Oh, don’t stop on my account,” he grinned. “I was rather enjoying the show.”

Olen’s hands tightened around me. “Well, princess.”

“No!” I protested. “No, I’m not your entertainment.”

I scrambled off Olen’s leg, straightening my dress. Ulrich leaned down, his beard tickling my ear as he dropped his voice.

“Ursa, the obvious arousal you left on my right hand’s knee says you are.”

My hand connected with his cheek, slightly knocking his mask to the side before I could stop myself.

Gasps rang out around me and Olen’s arms gripped my shoulders.

“You are so stupid,” he groaned, holding me back as Ulrich straightened his mask.

“I hit a nerve,” the king laughed.

“You speak to me as if I were anything other than a princess. A princess who deserves respect! Even a sliver of it!”

“I have yet to see a princess dancing—grinding—on a knee so publicly,” he shot back.

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