Page 33 of Savannah Royals
“I come from a world where people ask first.”
“And I come from a world where peopletake.”
“I’m not going to take advantage of you, Katarina.” He shakes his head. “That’s not who I am.”
I shrug one shoulder, unmoved. “I guess that leaves us in a bit of a predicament.”
“You like games, don’t you?” He nods, understanding. “I like games too. Maybe we’ll play by your rules next time, but tonight we’re sticking to mine.”
And with that, he takes my hands and slides me off the desk.
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning we’re going to put the whiskey away, and I’m going to lock up this office, then I’ll walk you to the front staircase to say goodnight. Like a gentleman.”
I pout. “That doesn’t sound like a particularly fun game.”
“It’s not the one you’re used to, I’m sure.”
It most certainly is not. “Your game, your rules.”
He takes my hand again and pulls me out of the office, locking the door behind us. He keeps ahold of me until we reach the main staircase.
“Goodnight, Katarina.” He lifts my hand to kiss the knuckles. Prim and excruciatingly proper. “Sleep well.”
“Wait,” I call out as he turns to go. I feel supremely dissatisfied, and that’s very annoying, but now two of these Academy events have been a heck of a lot more fun since he’s been around. Against my better judgment, I swallow my pride. “Will you be at the annual picnic next weekend?”
“I usually am. My parents are the hosts.”
Right.Very smooth, Kat.
“But I may have to work this year.” He watches me closely. “My older brother, Ethan, will certainly be there though, and he’s still a bachelor. A charming officer, fresh from the ranks of the Great War. You needn’t worry. The trifecta will stay intact.”
I smile, amused by his quick wit.
“Besides, Ethan is a much better catch than me—a war hero set to inherit the family publishing empire.” Matthew’s smile is self-deprecating. “I’m sure the sharks will be out in full force.”
“Is that really how you see us? Sharks?”
“Yes.Youare most definitely a shark.”
“Moi?”I place a hand to my breastbone in playful astonishment.
“Yes, you. Don’t act surprised.”
“I’ll take it as a compliment. Goodnight, Matthew.”
“You should. Goodnight, Katarina.”
A shark. Hmm…I mull it over as I traipse upstairs alone. That’s certainly a new one.
And then it hits me clear in the face. Sharks are scavengers and carnivores, just like wolves.
Maybe Matthew DaMolin really does have me all figured out.
WhenIreachmybedroom, I’m confronted with a new problem. A quite pressing problem that somehow took a backseat to drinking whiskey tonight with Matthew.
Melinda is inside our room, already asleep—thank goodness—but I need to contact the Royals to tell them about Harry. We need to move on Astor Manortomorrow.
