Page 50 of Filthy Royal

Stormhart scowled.

Damien tensed, his fists clenching.

“Bring the prize to me.” Egan pointed to the ground at his feet. “She will give Stormhart a private dance in his quarters as a token of our appreciation.”

* * *

Scarlett hurrieddown the hallway toward Kadon Stormhart’s quarters, security on either side of her, her heart hammering against her ribs.

The look on Damien’s face when security led her from the crystal cage…

Her stomach twisted.

She’d never seen such rage.

But surely he wouldn’t do anything else foolish. It had been he who’d reminded her they had only one rotation left.

They could do this.

But she needed a moment, and the timing was perfect. “I-I need to use the washroom.”

Nars frowned. “Orders are to take you straight to Stormhart’s quarters.”

“They’re right here.” She tilted her head toward the closest door. “I need to go. I won’t be able to dance otherwise.”

His scowl deepened, but he didn’t touch her. He hadn’t since that time in her sleeping quarters. She took great satisfaction from that fact.

“Fine.”

She hurried inside and shut the door.

It didn’t surprise her when the door at the rear of the washroom flew open, and Damien barreled through, ripping his scent muffler from his face.

He’d made it his business to learn every nook and cranny of the underground tunnels.

“You’re not going.”

She hurried to him and clutched his arm. “Keep your voice down.”

Damien snarled. At her.

“He’s not putting his hands on you.”

“He won’t.”

“You’re right. Because I am going to tear them from his fucking body.”

“Damien, please. Stormhart is not your enemy.”

“You’re defending him?”

She held onto her temper. “Egan’s trying to rile you. He… he knows you care about me and is trying to use it against you. Don’t let him. Neither of us can allow our emotions to rule. Not now. We need to lock them down.”

He growled low. “I’m not like you. I don’t know how to smile so fucking pretty and say I’m fine when I’m not.”

Another verbal blow. She hadn’t expected it from him. It was so unlike the male she knew—and the invisible tether stretching between them vibrated with a black rage she’d never sensed in him before.

“Damien, please. Calm down.”

---