“That what is between you and me is none of her business. And any threat she can make toward you is one I will protect you from,” I said. “She knows not to cross you if she doesn’t wish to lose me.”
Her gaze was thoughtful. “You didn’t have to confront your mother on my behalf. I can take care of myself.”
“Forgive me, Emma, but that is my duty as your mate. You come first above all others, even my mother. She would do well to remember that.”
Emma blushed. She threaded her fingers through mine as she said, “Well, thank you. It was really sweet.”
“Don’t worry about her.” I placed a kiss on her cheek. “She’ll learn to accept you in time.”
Emma’s expression knitted together, but she said, “Um... all right.”
As we walked along the Conservatory path, Emma said, “You know, I’m better now. There are no excuses this time. We should pick up where we left off.”
My dick hardened. It seriously felt like it was straining to get through my pants. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Please, Ethan.” She stood in front of me and came to a complete stop. When her hands fisted in my jacket, I felt my balls tighten. A ball of nerves scrambled in my stomach, overpowering my senses. My shifter nose caught on to how amazing she smelled, and damn if it didn’t bring me to my knees.
“You don’t need to act like such a gentleman all the time,” she purred. “I know you have a dark side. And I want to see it come out.”
I swallowed. “I think you’ve greatly misjudged me.”
“Cut the crap,” she said bluntly. “Let’s get this out of the way. I want to see what it’s like to touch a shifter.”
Gods above, I can’t handle a woman like her. Before I knew what was happening, Emma pulled me against a group of ferns that were larger than we were. She’d dragged me into a secluded area behind several large plants before I had time to protest.
“Emma, we might get caught,” I hissed. I tried to weakly push her hands away, and failed. I had no reserve when it came to her.
“That’s part of the fun.” She giggled. “Haven’t you ever broken the rules?”
I could see the headlines now. Prince Regent Ethan Nowak found publicly exposing himself inside Arcanea University. It’d be a disgrace.
But it would be fun. And it was very tempting.
“Don’t you think this would be more... appropriate... someplace private?” I moaned.
She momentarily paused. “If you’re not okay with this, we don’t have to do it,” she began. “Just say the word and I’ll back off.”
“Oh, I want to,” I said. “I’m just shocked by the sudden change of heart.” We’d never gone this far before.
“You waited to make a move, so now I’m taking control— as long as I have your say so.” She blinked up at me. “I won’t mess around unless I have your consent.”
After months of longing for the pleasure of her touch, Emma’s tempting words were too much to resist. “You have me,” I told her. “Do as you wish. I’m all for it.”
With my word, Emma’s hands dropped to my waistband, where she began unbuttoning my pants. A thrill went through me as her fingertips skimmed my boxers. In one movement she yanked my pants down— though only so far as the top of my thigh, before my prosthetic.
I was grateful she remembered I wasn’t willing to show her my missing leg yet. Still, the act left me standing here in the Conservatory in my boxers like some kind of fool.
But if I was a fool, it was for her, so I might as well wear the jester’s hat.
I opened my mouth to say something, but a groan came out instead. She’d slipped her hand inside my boxers. I gasped as her cool fingers met my head.
She grinned, because she knew she’d won. I was done. Screw the public finding out. Her hand was fishing in my pants and at this point, I didn’t care if all of Malovia knew.
My knees went weak when I felt Emma draw down my boxers, unleashing my cock. Emma let out a gasp, and I startled.
“Is something wrong?” I asked, pleading there wasn’t so this could go on.
She didn’t answer right away. As her hand wrapped around me, stars burst behind my vision, and my heartbeat raged. Great god Tomir.
Her tone was awed as her fingers roamed up and down my