Page 82 of Split or Swallow

“Would you do me a favor, Tem?”

His gray eyes were awfully close. For the first time, Tem realized they were flecked with green.

“Depends on the favor.”

“Kiss me.”

“You’re drunk.”

“And you’re glorious. Kiss me.”

“In front of everyone?”

He leaned in. “Unless you’ve changed your stance on baths and champagne.”

“I haven’t.”

“Then kiss me. Right now.”

It wasn’t a request anymore. It was an order, and Tem had no idea what would happen if she didn’t obey. Her eyes flicked to Vera, who was watching their interaction like a hawk. When she looked back at Leo, he gave her a devious smile.

“Unless you’d prefer I kiss someone else,” he said quietly.

A pang of jealousy shot through Tem. She couldn’t explain it—but she didn’t want Leo kissing anyone else. Especially not Vera.

But she also couldn’t give in. Not when he was acting like she owed him this.

Tem pushed his hand away again.

“I’d prefer that this evening didn’t run late. I have an early morning on the farm tomorrow.”

Leo’s eyes narrowed.

“I see. Well, I certainly wouldn’t want to keep you.”

He snapped his fingers, and the butler appeared, leaning over his shoulder.

“Is it time, your Highness?”

“Yes.”

“Very well. Who would you like to see first?”

Without breaking eye contact with Tem, Leo pointed at Vera. The butler nodded. He rang a small bell, and the table fell silent.

“His Highness would like to begin the evening’s events.”

The butler extended his hand to Vera.

“Would you kindly follow me, miss?”

Pure triumph blossomed on Vera’s face. She shot Tem a withering look before taking the butler’s hand and allowing him to guide her to a door at the far end of the dining room.

The butler turned back to Leo.

“Your Highness?”

Leo stood, whiskey still in hand. Without a backward glance, he followed Vera into the room. The butler closed the door behind them.