Page 27 of Snow White

“Let’s eat,” he announces.

All of us resume our conversations, everyone except Snow. She remains silent, moving her dinner around and then her dessert. The moment it is acceptable, she stands from the table. My eyes lock on her as she kisses her father’s head and says, “I will speak to you later, Papa?”

He nods at her, patting her hand. “Yes, are you all right?”

She nods and smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I am fine. I love you.”

He frowns. “I love you, too.”

I have never wanted to read Snow’s thoughts more than I do at this single moment.

Belle notices as well. “Did our fight upset her?”

“I have no idea, but I intend to find out.”

Chapter Eighteen

Snow

The events of the day continue to nag at my mind. I struggled through dinner, the self-recriminations and worries stealing my appetite and joy. I feel as if I am losing two people who I think are my friends, and I can’t seem to stop my improper thoughts of Azura. They fill me with heat and need, all the cold in my system fading away. The moment she sat beside me at the table, my heart pounded and my stomach clenched with desire. I wanted to straddle her lap and press my lips against hers right there in front of everyone.

The gods know I try to push these thoughts from my mind. Truly I do, but her sweet floral smell overwhelms me. The heat her body radiates draws me, a promise of warmth against my cool skin. It is so hard for me to focus when she is near. I don’t understand why thoughts of her continue to consume my mind. Gods, I wish I understood. Right now, I want to flop onto my bed and relieve the ache between my thighs.

I sit on the edge of my bed and gather my skirts, pulling them up to reveal my legs. The soft knock on the door makes me freeze, pulling me from my carnal thoughts. “Snow?”

I gulp and drop my skirts, wringing my hands together.Sheis here. Oh, gods. What am I going to do? Will I be able to control myself? My need for her is growing stronger, and I am not sure how much longer I will be able to hide it. Will she pin me to the wall? Run her hands up my sides? No, she wouldn’t. I should ignore her until my mind settles, but I can’t. I need to see her.

I walk over to the door, opening it with a smile. “Azura. Hi.”

“What’s the matter? You left abruptly,” she says, frowning. My eyes drop to her breasts. They strain against the bodice of her dress, practically begging to be released. The way they press together makes my mouth water, and all I want to do is bury my face between them. Her necklace lies delicately just above her cleavage, and I wonder what she would look like with nothing on but that.

The molten heat between my legs is practically gushing at the thought. I shake my head to clear it and clear my throat before saying, “I um… I wasn’t feeling well.”

“Hm,” Azura says, raising a brow. She crosses her arms over her chest, pressing her lush breasts closer together. I bite back a moan. The gods are testing me. I have always been a good girl and done what I am told. I do my best to help others and have never had an impure thought. But when it comes to Azura, I want to take her into my mouth and taste her delicate skin.

I close my eyes, chewing my lip. “No… that’s a lie. I um…” I can’t tell her the truth.“I have a lot on my mind.”

“Tell me,” she says, stepping into my room.

Oh gods, oh gods! Lay me down on that bed, and I will tell you everything.

“I just…” I wring my hands together. What is my other issue again? Right friendship. “I’m scared.”

“Scared?” Azura asks, moving over to my tea tray. She pours me a cup of tea, and I let out a breath.

Focus on the tea. Focus on friendship.

I sit at the table and take a deep breath, regretting it when her scent invades my senses again.

“I thought I could become f-friends with B-Belle and you. Yet, I am s-scared I am not good enough,” I murmur.

I am scared that when you find out these dark thoughts, you will think me dirty and run away.

Azura holds out the teacup. “You are very good.”

Am I a good girl? My thighs clench.

Oh, gods, not again.

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