Page 34 of Frost and Death
I shudder as his words sweep down my neck, goose bumps spiking across my flesh. I inch toward him for a moment, something hard pressing against my back end, and Ireallywant to dwell on it.
A low groan from him coaxes me back into a tangled web of intrigue.
“I-I should go,” I say, needing to get back to the party and fighting my body’s desire to remain next to him. “I need to ensure I didn’t cause anyone alarm and find my lady-in-waiting for medicine.”
“Rest, My Queen. I was able to sneak back here without drawing much attention. Let me go fetch your lady-in-waiting for you.”
“How did you—”
“Rest,” the scarred man repeats.
He peels his body from mine, the fight leaving me as he reclines me against the chaise.
I study his black hair falling in front of his face as he fans my dress out, ensuring it is in place and not exposing anything. His touch is tender, and I find my irritability diminishing as he pulls away with a warm smile and his dimple on full display.
My lips tick up as I cradle my stomach. “Thank you.”
He halts. “Rick.”
I grin at the small piece of information. “Thank you for saving me from humiliation, Rick.”
He winks. “Pay me back when I return, My Queen.”
My heart flutters, and my cheeks heat as Rick vanishes back into the party.
I do not have very much to offer him. Except… Maybe I could approach the idea of marriage with him. He is the only one who is bearable to be around. My options are already limited, and I wouldreallylike to avoid choosing Ulrik.
Surely, Rick seeking me out both nights is why he’s here. He must be one of the suitors we invited.
But Niko warned me against dancing with Rick.
I thought Niko warned me against it because I was drawn to another person, and like an idiot, I exploited that, thinking he was jealous. Then he laughed in my face but also took care of me while I was clutching my chamber pot this morning.
Niko pointed out my grief, and Rick made fun of my cycle.
But Niko stayed with me through a nightmare.
Would Rick ever do that if I chose him?
I barely know him, yes, but unions have happened between two people with less information. Rocking my head up to the ceiling in frustration, I hate how both men, despite being crass, have caused such a reaction from me.
Is this what relationships are always meant to be like?
I scoff in annoyance and massage my throbbing head.
The door flies open, and my hands shoot to my side as Niko’s booming voice enters the room. “Tove! Are you—”
He notices my position on the couch and lifts a brow.
“What do you want?” I lace the question with venom.
It does not help that his stupidly handsome face still drives my heart into wanting him, regardless of his hurtful words from earlier.
He clenches his fists as he steps forward. “I-I came to check on you after I thought you had been back here too long with that man.”
“What?”
HowdidI get back here? I don’t remember anything beyond dancing.
