Page 32 of Kiss of Ice

“Salaq isn’t the saint you think he is.”

Her temper threatened to boil over.

“He’s a better man thanyou. Was it worth it, Kam? Running away to live a life of debauchery instead of doing the boring job of running the empire?”

Her taunt made his jaw clench. He itched to tell her the truth but he knew she wouldn’t believe him. When it came to Salaq, Ren clearly had blinkers on. He smiled at her contemptuously.

“Have a care, my ice queen. I’m still your Emperor.”

“And I’m to be your wife,” she snapped. “What are you going to do, your Majesty? Punish me? I hate to tell you this but not even Emperors can get away with domestic violence any more.”

His eyes glinted dangerously.

“You may be surprised to know that the ancient laws allowing husbands to discipline their wives were never repealed in Nush’aldaam.”

“That’s ridiculous. I don’t believe you.”

“You may check for yourself. Though they’ve been superseded by more modern legislation, they are, in fact, still in existence.”

“You’re full of shit. You wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me.”

Lazily, he reached out and trailed a fingertip from her collarbone to her cleavage. She couldn’t stop the gasp that flew from her mouth, or the heat that rose in her cheeks. She tried to move away but his other hand grasped her shoulder and held her there.

“Be careful how you speak to me, Ren. Or I will begin to wonder if youwantme to discipline you.”

His finger brushed the soft skin of her upper breast, tracing the swell just above the neckline. The sensation sent tingles through her stomach.

“I’m not your wife yet,” she said in a low voice. “So take your hands off me or I’ll freeze your fingers down to the bone.”

His lip curled.

“I have no doubt. Just remember, I have the power to make your life pleasant – or deeply uncomfortable. Now eat your dinner. You’ve barely touched it.” He turned away and gestured for more wine.

The waiters hadn’t reacted at all to their exchange, but Ren was embarrassed and humiliated. She stood abruptly.

“I’m not hungry. I think I’ll retire.”

Kam didn’t even look at her.

“As you wish.” Angrily, she shoved back her chair and made to storm out of the dining room. She was stopped in her tracks when he drawled her name. “Ren.”

“What?”

“Tomorrow I will give you a tour of the palace. You will be ready at breakfast.”

She dropped into a heavily exaggerated curtsy.

“Of course, my lord and master. My entire existence was made to serve you. It will be my deep and unbridled pleasure to accompany you tomorrow.”

“Excellent. You’re learning.”

She swore under her breath all the way back to the guest quarters.

Kam watched her go. Then he surveyed the dining table. Guilt pricked at his conscience and he dragged a hand through his hair in irritation.

“Gods damn it.Master Zelen!”

“Yes, your Majesty?”

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