Page 108 of Bride By Coronation

"Not exactly," he states with a straight face.

I snicker for another moment, then realize he's not playing any games. I immediately got serious, staring at him.

He grinds his molars, looking more uncomfortable by the minute.

I slide my hand on his cheek. "I'm confused."

He briefly closes his eyes and then pins a shameful gaze on me. He lowers his voice, confessing, "I had a girlfriend once. Then... " He looks away, clenching his jaw.

I run my thumb over his chin, softly asking, "Then what?"

He meets my gaze, answering, "Then everything changed." The color drains from his face.

My insides quiver so hard that I feel nauseous. I wait for him to continue.

He adds, "She couldn't look at me anymore."

"Why?"

He stares at me, and more embarrassment washes over him.

I put my hand on his chest, caressing the raised scar tissue covered in ink, and putting two and two together. I answer my own question. "Because of your scars?"

He barely nods, trying to keep his expression neutral, but it's full of pain.

My heart aches. I slide closer to him, running my fingers through his hair and cautiously asking, "So you haven't had sex since then?"

His voice comes out flat. "I didn't say that."

"You said you haven't had anyone in your bed," I remind him.

He stares at the ceiling for a while.

I decide he's done talking, so I offer, "Sorry. I didn't mean to pry into your private life." I turn on my side and inch away to give him some space, thinking that's what he wants.

He immediately pulls me back into him, creating a cocoon around me with his body.

I sink into him, turn my head, and smile.

"I make it a point not to lie to people who are important to me. There aren't many on my list, but you're one of them, Fiona. So I'll be honest with you," he declares.

My heart soars. I turn to him and state, "Then I'll always be honest with you."

He smiles for a moment, but then it falls. He announces, "I've had lots of sex, but no one's been in my bed. Until tonight, only a few of my personal staff and several Omni—all of whom are sworn to secrecy—knew their king was the snake man."

I admit, "I'm not following."

A fresh, uncomfortable expression appears. He reveals, "The hissing wasn't something new."

I continue to stare at him, not understanding.

He adds, "The only time I have sex is during Underworld rituals. And I won't hide my past from you. I've taken part in many acts, but I've always had a mask on."

I process his statement, and he waits, watching me intently. Then I blurt out, "So you haven't dated anyone since you were eighteen?"

His face turns red. "Yes."

I gape at him, unable to fathom it, then ask, "Why?"

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