Page 20 of Dewpoint
I lost my interest and frowned. “Why are you praising those women for knowing what they want and chastising yourself for not being different instead of saying the same thing?”
He grinned at me and it was very disarming. “Thank you, Sagan. Really.”
“You’re welcome, but I’m a bit confused why you’re telling me all of this.”
“Because even if I could never live at court, I’m hoping you’ll still take me to your bed to please you while you’re searching for your mates.” He was lightning quick as he lunged across the table and caught the glass that slipped from my fingers. “I apologize. You’re much more innocent than I would have guessed.”
“I-I—it’s not—”
“Please let me get out my hope and you can sit with it, no secrets between us, My Queen.” He licked his lips as he set the glass down and settled in his seat. He waited for me to nod which I appreciated. “I’m first and that was a pleasant surprise, but also a win for you because they will all come in seeing how you’re already being treated.”
“It was a concern raised to me,” I hedged. “If the biggest asshole came in and started treating me as beneath him, he would set the tone for the others and it could get ugly fast. Myriam wanted to rig it.”
He snorted. “I wonder if she did.” He gave a half shrug but moved on. “I treat women as they deserve. I’m not bragging, but I’m rather known for it. The others call me a pussy or pussy whipped, but I’ve never had a partner unhappy with that side of me.”
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, understanding it was because of his sexual needs.
He gave another half shrug. “Sometimes it was also they wanted to be Alpha Mate more than they ever wanted Joris Visser.”
“A pain I’ve now lived firsthand,” I admitted before realizing it.
“I’m sorry you will again and again. We know most of them coming in want to be prince or de facto king because they’re stupid.”
“But if you set the tone, that becomes much more difficult,” I muttered, studying him. “So you fake being interested in me?”
It was his turn to choke, thumping his chest. “Oh, there’s no faking, Sagan. If you told me to please you right now, I would.” He chuckled when my face flushed. “The interest is real, but we both know I don’t want this life. Let me help shield you and make these assholes step up to the level they should instead of… What’s being said.”
I swallowed loudly and focused on my food. “I can only imagine.”
“Yes, I don’t want to hurt you or even—I have to be honest that some will be a problem and fast.”
“And you want time for your father to decide it’s long enough and then declare your brother as Alpha Heir?” I checked, wanting this clear between us.
“Yes, and possibly some role in your government so I don’t have to go home and be the… We know what I’ll be.”
My eyes went wide at that. “So you want to be with me but not publicly after I pick a mate?”
“That wasn’t what I meant, but I would—we’d need to see if you could handle what I want. I doubt whoever youmatewould be thrilled at you keeping a side lover hidden.”
Yeah, that was more than fair.
“I understand. You want a position that doesn’t have you at court but also not at Wildcairn.” I sat back and tapped my fingers. “You’re impressive, so I cannot see that being a problem. How much flak would I receive from your father for stealing you?”
“Very little as long as the position isn’t royal horse shit handler,” he drawled.
“And the rest?” I asked after several minutes of us simply eating.
He licked his lips as his gaze locked with mine. “My bed is open to you anytime you want, My Queen. Any stress you have, I will relieve it. It would be my honor to service any and all of your needs.”
Well then.
What did someone say to that?
I was pretty sure I mumbled that I needed to think about it.
So he wasn’t just like passive or a doormat making such a bold proposition at our first meeting. He just… I had no idea, but I was all over the place when the meeting was over.
For real.
