Page 49 of The Throne Seeker
“You’re looking as lovely as always,” Grant remarked above the clamor. “Congratulations on your number.” She almost took it as sarcasm, but then he added, “If it’s any consolation, I would have added another vote to your roster if I weren’t in the running.”
A weary smile spread on her lips. “Thank you. I’d say congratulations are in order for you, too. I wasn’t sure you’d get five men to join your cause.”
Grant’s emerald eyes shone brighter at her taunt. “I may not have recruited as many men as your lover, but it’s all I need to win tomorrow. I go for quality over quantity.”
“Of course you do.” She rolled her eyes.
Grant slid closer, bridging the distance between them as his lips hovered near her ear. “If I get you, that’ll be the true prize, won’t it?” he whispered in a voice she was sure let him get whatever and whomever he wanted.
She raised her chin so she was only inches from his face. “I wish you all the luck in the world,” she said with a smirk, repeating her words from the ball.
A large, dazzling smile broke out on his face, lighting up his eyes. He boldly stroked her cheek. “You may just be worth all the work, Rosalie Versalles.” He broke eye contact, his gaze straying behind her.
She followed his gaze to find Tristan looking murderously at the pair.
Of course.
Taking a quick step back, she said, “Excuse me.” She meant to leave, but the sea of people blocked her quick escape.
Grant caught her arm with little effort.
“I didn’t mean to taunt him.” His face was filled with rare remorse.
She tried to pull her arm away, but he held it firm. “It’sexactlywhat you meant to do.”
He pulled her closer, forcing her to face him. “Why can’t I show you off? Why can’t I flaunt you? If I marry you, I’ll make sure every man in the room is jealous of me.”
“You don’t wantme; you just want a gem on your arm.”
“I’ll prove to you it’s not true.”
“I suppose you’ll have to,” she bit back, finally freeing her arm. “I’m afraid I’m tired. Please excuse me.”
“Let me walk you back to your room.”
“No. Good night, Grant.” She exited the grand hall, feeling the stares of both Grant and Tristan piercing her back. She didn’t look back, not even to see if Zareb was behind her.
As soon as she got to her room, she sent Thea out and began undressing herself, changing into her nightgown.
She was just pulling back the sheets when a gentle knock came.
She froze, straining her ears, wondering if she’d imagined it.
Tap… tap tap… tap.
She recognized the pattern at once.
She cracked the door open only a sliver to see Tristan.
Without thinking, she let him in.
Just as she closed the door, the last shred of her self-control was stripped away. She knew she should have shoved him right back out, but instead, she flung her arms around his neck, crushing him into her body.
He froze, caught off guard by the sudden gesture, but he welcomed her, crushing her against his chest. “I wanted to come scold you,” he whispered. “Damn you, I just forgot all the snarky remarks I prepared.”
She lifted her head from his shoulder. “I’m sure I deserve it.”
“No, you don’t. You don’t deserve any of it.” He brushed a stray strand of her hair away. “You were incredible tonight, Rose. I’ve never seen anyone stand up to the council like that.”
