Page 34 of Snow White

“What does it matter?” Veronica mutters, pouting up at my brother. Alright, it isn’t a secret that my brother and I have our disagreements, but any woman in this room should know that Eric will not tolerate anyone mistreating me. This woman just signed herself up for an early grave. My anger dies as quickly as it rose, pity taking its place.

“That’s my sister.” He shoves her off him.

“I have been polite!” she exclaims.

Lie.

“I suggest you pack your things,” Eric snarls at her before turning his attention to the rest of the women. His expression only softens when he notices the comforting hand Belle has on my arm. “Ladies. Take note that my sister means the world to my father and me. We don’t stand for anyone treating her with anything less than respect. So, if I hear that someone is snipping at her or spreading rumors, prepare to pack your bags.”

I look down at my hands, heat spreading through my body from embarrassment. Eric is the prince… nokingof embarrassment. Though it is a kind gesture, I am sure that his little speech will only make things worse.

The rest of lunch is awkwardly silent. I can’t stand to be the center of attention, especially when I don’t know what everyone is thinking after my brother’s lecture. As soon as I can, I split from Belle and make my way to Azura’s room. I take a couple of deep breaths to calm myself before knocking on her door.

“Yes?” Azura’s voice rings out.

“Can I come in?” I ask.

“Of course, Snow.”

I smile to myself before opening the door. My heart stops in my chest.Gods. Oh, my gods. She is only in a robe, rubbing lotion into her pale legs. They look so smooth and completely hairless. I want to run my hands up her thighs to her sweet center.

My cheeks heat. The thoughts have returned in full force, and there is no calming them. Not when her breast is about to slip out of her robe. What would her nipples look like? Would they be like mine? Tight and perky? Will goosebumps form as I run my fingers over them? I need to know. I must know.

I squeeze my eyes shut, closing the door behind me. “I… um… I…”

“Yes?”

“I um…” I gulp, slowly opening my eyes. “I wanted to apologize for um…”

For staring at you and thinking about all the ways I could taste you.

“Apologize?” Azura says, straightening.

“Yes, um… my brother.” I close my eyes.Yes, that is why I came up here.

“Why would you apologize?” she scoffs.

I blink a few times, wringing my hands together. “I um… hm.”

Why can’t I form a single coherent thought?

“Why would you apologize for him?” she asks. She stands, and the shoulder of her robe slips, revealing more bare skin.I feel my face heat and my belly clench as the damn liquid between my thighs rolls down my leg.

“He’s my brother,” I choke out.

“And not your responsibility,” she says, stepping forward and touching my cheek.

I press my face into her hand, staying silent for a couple of minutes. I know I should be thinking about what she is saying, but it is so hard when she smells this sweet. The need to stay close to her nearly overwhelms me.

“You’re so warm,” I whisper.

“And you don’t like that?” she asks.

“I do. I always feel cold,” I whisper. “Not that it bothers me, but I just… Your warmth feels nice.”

She frames my face with her hands. “How about now?”

“Perfect,” I whisper, a shiver running down my spine.

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