Court Of Shadows and Lies

29. A Moment Interrupted

As Duke Davian disappeared into the distance, I remained frozen for a moment, absorbing the lingering heat of his presence.

After a breath, I turned back toward the garden. My heart raced as I recalled his words, especially the way he had leaned in so close.

How dare he presume to know me?

Upon my return, I found Serene at the table, the meal laid out before him, yet half-eaten. My brows furrowed. “Why didn’t you eat?”

His amber eyes met mine, a storm brewing behind their depths. “I don’t feel hungry,” he replied flatly, the edge of his tone revealing more than his words conveyed.

It was weird recalling how last night he had devoured twice his portion without hesitation. I glanced at him, noting the set of his jaw and the way his expression seemed to tighten, an undercurrent of anger rippling beneath the surface.

What is he upset about now?

“Are you sure you don’t want this?” I gestured to the spread, half of which still remained untouched.

He shook his head, his demeanor grim. The frustration etched on his face puzzled me.

Why is he like this?

I sighed, unwilling to let the moment fester. “If you eat something, I promise to give you a reward.”

His eyes lit up immediately, a flicker of excitement igniting behind his otherwise stoic facade. “Promise?”

I nodded, unable to suppress a smile at his eagerness. With that, he dove into the food, devouring everything in sight. Within minutes, the table was cleared, each plate empty, the remnants of our meal gone.

As he looked at me with those eager eyes, the corners of my lips turned up involuntarily.

He’s like a baby I never had.

“Alright,” I said, standing with a sense of finality. “Let’s go to my room for your reward.”

His enthusiasm was palpable as he nodded, rising from his seat in one swift motion. I couldn't help but admire how quickly he obeyed, his energy infectious.

The two of us moved through the garden, the earlier tension replaced by an air of anticipation. I kept my composure, outwardly calm, even as my mind buzzed with the uncharted territory we were stepping into.

We entered my room, and I closed the door with a decisive click, the sound echoing in the charged silence that followed. My heart raced, anticipation coursing through me as I turned to face him, feeling the heat radiating from his body.

Without a moment's hesitation, I stepped toward him, bridging the gap between us. I reached up, capturing his lips with mine in a fervent kiss. The moment our mouths connected, it was electric. He responded with equal passion, our lips dancing together, his movements mirroring my own as I sucked and bit at his bottom lip. The kiss deepened, and I felt my pulse quicken as desire unfurled within me.

I had to stand on my toes to reach him, the strain making my muscles burn. But the thrill of the kiss fueled me, and I savored every second until I finally broke away, breathless and flushed.

With a gentle push, I guided him to the bed, my heart pounding as I climbed onto him. My body pressed against his, and I kissed him again, feeling his arousal hot and hard against me, a palpable proof of his desire. The sensation sent a rush of excitement through me, igniting my own longing.

But I wanted to play with this tension. I wanted him to feel the raw need simmering just below the surface without giving in just yet. His hands roamed my waist and back, exploring the curves of my body with an urgency that made me shiver. Each caress sent ripples of pleasure through me, yet I held back, reveling in the moment.