Page 155 of Insolence
“I mean in general. I’ll make sure you get your money back.”
Her eyes go wide. “What in gods’ names are you on about? I don’t want my money. I wantyou.”
“You and I can’tbetogether, and you damn well know it. You’re not a man. Gods know I’m not.” I pass my hands over my face.Not in any way that counts, at least.
Saying it aloud hurts more this particular night than I care to admit.
“It shouldn’t matter.”
“It shouldn’t. But itdoes. You’re a woman, Tiss.Highbornwoman. You need to be a good little wife and pop out a passel of Madoc children. Worship your husband. ‘Keep the realm strong’ and all that. You can’t just take whatever lovers you please, and pretending otherwise won’t change reality.”
“There it is,” she muses. “To think, all of this time I assumed you were simply too shy to make a move.”
“I’m actually very outgoing when I want to be. But there are rules of conduct in society, of which Iknowyou’re painfully aware.”
She snorts, looking bored. “Rulesnever stopped you before, I’m sure.”
“Nope. But I’ve always known better than to pursue someone so far outside my reach. We can’t justrutlike a couple of common harlots. Actually, I can. But it’s out of the question foryou.” My words are poison-tipped blades soaring through the air. Somehow, I can’t stop flinging them now that I've started. “When they find out, which they will, do you think your familywill tolerate youslummingit with me? Do you think your husband will?”
Her glare bores right through my skull. “You’re an ass, El.”
“And you’re a privileged little fool living in a fantasy. I shouldn’t have to explain this to you!”
Her eyes are equal parts indignant and imploring. “So, after nearly half a year you finally say it.”
“I mean it. Grab your things and go home, Lady Jedrek. I’ll send your money when I can.”
Her fist clenches. “For the last time, I don’t want my stupid money. I wantyou, society’s rules and social strata be damned. And Iknowyou want me too, so stop acting like I’m a stranger all of a sudden.”
“You’re notlistening.” I stand so abruptly my chair rocks backward. Nearly tips over. “That is beside the point.”
“Is it?” She lifts an eyebrow and her naked shoulder. Shrugs down the dress, revealing the dusky rose of her nipple against porcelain skin. It’s already puckering prettily.
Nope. Nope. Fucking nope.“I… uh…” Shit.
Pleased with herself, she leans back, biting her lip. Crosses one leg over the other. “I take it you like what you see?”
I scrub both hands through my hair like I’m trying to push my brain out the back of my head. “Stop playing. You’re acting like a child.”
“I’m not playing, and I amnota child. I’m nineteen in Thawtide. Did you know that?” Less than two months away.
“That doesn’t change anything.”
She cocks her head, tugging the second ribbon free. Letting the loose-fitting gown drop to her waist.
Well. That’s just not fair.I swear softly, looking around the room. When my gaze returns to her, it’s met by two round, very shapely, extremely tantalizing tits and defiance blazing in her eyes.
Sweat breaks out all over my body. I command myselfnotto think about what’s inside my satchel, threatening to burn a hole through my mind.
“Now you’re trying to provoke me.” I snatch her silk robe, flinging it at her.
“And you are trying tocontrolme. You’re as bad as my father and Illiam!”
Ouch. “That’s not—”
“Don’t I get a say? Everyone’s so busy making decisions about what’s ‘best’ for me, they’ve forgotten to ask whatIwant. And I have to tolerate it, because I apparently don’t know better!”
She tosses the robe aside and stands. Her gown slides to the floor, revealing her gloriously naked body.
