Page 4 of Desire

“The ribbon needs to be destroyed,” I said.

“Why?” Daemon asked.

“I cannot give a reason but only assure you that it does.”

He strode past me and picked up the ribbon. The beasts in the forest didn’t growl at his entry, which I found odd.

“I’ll toss it into the flames,” he said.

“Thank you.”

I yelped when Liam suddenly swept me off my feet.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

His brown eyes danced with amusement as he strode toward the cottage.

“You ran out of the cottage without a cloak or boots, Kellen. We understand your need to speak with your father, but if you cannot take care, then we will.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Your feet, Kellen.”

I glanced at my mud-caked feet, feeling the bone-deep chill for the first time.

“I’ll warm the water,” Darian called as Liam neared the fire.

Edmund sat at the table with a cloth pressed against his nose and a hint of annoyance in his gaze.

“I thought you didn’t want to hurt anyone,” he said, sounding a bit nasal.

“I don’t. Yet, I will defend my person when necessary.”

He stood abruptly.

“Edmund,” Brandle said with soft warning.

He needn’t have bothered. I knew that Edmund had no desire to hurt me. The lingering feel of his teeth against my ear hinted at what he truly desired.

“Defend? Do you believe I would hurt you?” he asked with a scowl.

“Hurt me? No. Take liberties I have not given leave for you to take? Yes.”

“Not given leaveyet,” he said. “You won’t take me unaware again.”

A smile tugged at my lips as I answered, “I bet a copper you make the same mistake before the end of the day.”

“I’m betting on Kellen,” Darian said.

“I think she’s already proven it would be foolish to bet against her,” Daemon said.

“A copper?” Brandle asked. “Why do you need coin?”

“What else should I ask for as a prize?” I asked.

“A kiss, Princess,” Darian said. “That’s always worth winning.”

I snorted. This wasn’t the first time they requested a kiss. “A copper holds more value. I could buy food, shelter, clothing, or even help with enough of them. What can a kiss do?”

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