Page 84 of Vicious Princess
When Daegel breaks the kiss, I’m breathless. His lips are swollen and red, eyes glazed with desire.
If he were to whip me around, bend me forwards, and fuck me right here between two large bookshelves, I would be more than willing.
But that’s not in the cards for me tonight.
“You said you wouldn’t kiss me again at the academy.”
He wets his lips. “Fuck, princess. I know. But it’s impossible for me to keep my hands to myself when I’m around you.”
Once he makes sure my feet are steady, he takes a step back and leans against the bookshelf opposite me.
“I heard you nailed the mission.” When he says it, his whole face lights up. “You only needed to survive to pass the test, but you went above and beyond, which not only saved the General, but made sure the mission was a success. Phoenix, I’m so proud of you.”
My chest swells with warmth, and I smile.
Hearing him say it feels unexpectedly good. It’s been so long since I heard those words. Since I had someone look at me the way Daegel is looking at me right now.
Supportive. Proud. Admiring.
“She got in!” Dad shouted the second we stepped into the kitchen, beating me to it. “Our girl got into the Elite Squad of the Royal Guard!”
“Dad! You spoiled the surprise!” I scoffed, crossing my arms.
He ruffled my hair. “Sorry, kid. I’m so proud of you, I want to shout it from the rooftops.”
“You earned every bit of it.” Mom’s arms wrapped tightly around me. She planted a smooch on my forehead. “I’m so proud of you.”
I hadn’t realized how much I missed being someone worth celebrating.
“Thank you,” I say, folding my hands behind me so I don’t give in to the temptation to reach for him. “It was exhilarating but terrifying at the same time. So little is in our control when we’re on a mission.”
Daegel nods. “That’s true. Was it your first time in the field?” I nod. “You never had anything like that when training in Wetra?”
I shake my head. “Back home, Decarios only get to participate in missions when we graduate the training and join the Royal Guard. But even then, it depends on your skill and rank, where they assign you.”
Referring to Wetra ashomedoesn’t feel quite right on my tongue anymore. I push that thought away to deal with later.
“It’s even more impressive, then. You’re truly destined to be an Ezkai of legends.”
A laugh bubbles out of me. “No pressure.”
A corner of his lips quirks up. “Diamonds are made under pressure. It’s nothing you can’t handle,princess.”
I bite my bottom lip at the tone of his voice when he calls me the nickname. My gods, I’m down so bad.So much for not being a lover girl anymore.
The reality crashes down upon me when I remember how dire our situation is.
“We have a problem,” I say quietly.
His eyebrows hike all the way to his hairline. “Do tell.”
“Someone saw us that night at the training hall,” I say. Daegel’s face remains neutral. “The night we kissed.”
“I knowwhichnight. Who?”
Something in his gaze makes me pause before I give him the name. “Cadet Kata Nightingale.”
“She told you that?”
