Page 368 of Primal Bonds

Her gaze snagged on his full mouth. She could almost feel his lips against hers, soft, caressing.

The dark wings tightened around her like a warm cocoon.

Her breath sighed out.

The prince’s mouth curved in a faint smile.

Uneasiness skipped up her spine. She dragged her gaze from his mouth, pulled back her shoulders. “My lord? I repeat, I’m here against my will.”

“She speaks the truth, Blaer?” Langdon asked, his gaze still on Rosana. “She didn’t enter my court willingly?”

The fae lady’s smile faded. She shot Rosana a dark look. “Yes, my lord.”

“A miscalculation, no doubt,” the prince returned silkily. “But perhaps I can convince her to stay.” He smiled into Rosana’s eyes. “What do you think, my dear? Would you like to spend a few days with me?”

That unearthly beauty tugged at her again. Was he using a glamour on her?

She scowled and wrenched her gaze from his. “I already gave you my answer,” she said to his chest. “I want to leave. Now.”

“Is there nothing I can do to change your answer to a yes?” He fingered one of her curls. The dark power constricted.

Tighter, tighter.

Her heart sped up. She took short, rapid breaths, unable to fill her lungs. She fought the urge to thrash wildly at the invisible cocoon. He’d only use her fear to ensnare her further.

Instead, she stared stonily at the V of his shirt. “No, my lord.”

Langdon knew she was afraid. So did Blaer. They had both stilled, their bodies vibrating with a greedy hunger.

But the prince nodded and to her surprise, released her hair and stepped back.

Her breath whooshed out.

Blaer glanced between the two of them, frowning. Rosana edged away from her.

“You’re hungry.” Langdon waved his hand and a steaming bowl of fish stew appeared on the table with the silver vase. “I’ve had my cook prepare something.” Another flick of his fingers and a basket of crusty brown bread settled beside the stew, along with a bowl of fruit and a plate of small, perfect chocolates.

Rosana eyed the food, her mouth watering. He was right. She hadn’t eaten since dinner last night.

It could be a trick. Eat his food, and you’ll end up “owing” him.

She swallowed and looked away. “No, thank you.”

“Then perhaps some wine?” A crystal glass appeared in her hand.

She stared down at the pale gold liquid. Maybe just a sip? She moistened her lips. It looked so good, and her throat still ached from Luc’s attack.

Her fingers tightened on the stem. She set the wine on the table. “Not right now.”

The prince shrugged a shoulder. “As you wish. But please, sit.” He indicated a black burned-velvet couch on the other side of the room.

Rosana fingered the stiletto in her back pocket. For courage.

Because using it was a last resort. Even if she managed to escape this room, she’d still have to evade any guards and somehow open the portal to the outside world.

“With respect, Lady Blaer brought me here against my will. She admitted it herself. Now, either let me leave or I’ll call on Queen Cleia.” She spoke the sun fae woman’s name loud and clear.

Langdon picked up the wine she’d refused, sipped it. “I should tell you that the queen can’t get through our wards. In fact, it’s unlikely she can even trace you to the court.”

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