Page 40 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

Nathaniel would be so fucking proud to see his sister right now.

“Uniting our families sends a message. A nudge for all those who need reminding who holds the power.”

Ice crawled along my nerves.

Kaylani tilted her head, studying him. “That sounds an awful lot like a threat.”

Julian smiled, but it came off cold and calculating, just like the man. “It’s a promise. There’s a difference.”

I shifted my weight slightly, fingers brushing the line of my jacket where my gun rested.

Julian’s gaze cut to me, then returned to Kaylani with a calmness that made my skin itch. He knew we weren’t just a princess and her dedicated soldier, and he wanted me to know it.

“How long have you known my father,” Kaylani asked, redirecting.

Julian’s expression turned pleasantly thoughtful.

“Long enough to respect him. Not long enough to be bored by him.”

Kaylani’s eyes cut. “Most men get bored when they realize they can’t control him.”

Julian’s lips curved into a lopsided grin. “I don’t need to control Dimitri. I understand him. Control comes in many forms and is useless without knowing what makes the opposition tick.”

“So now my father is the opposition? Interesting. And what do you think you understand?” Her voice was as sharp as a blade.

Julian looked at her for a long moment.

“He’s a man who doesn’t forgive humiliation. He expects obedience and values power.”

Kaylani’s hand tightened on her water glass.

Julian continued as if he had offered some sage wisdom.

“You’re bright enough to know that already. But you’re also stubborn enough to test it. Interesting combination.”

Kaylani didn’t blink. “And you’re arrogant enough to think you can lecture me about my family.”

“No lecture. Advise. It would be a shame to waste your intelligence on rebellion when it could be used to build a lasting legacy.”

Kaylani leaned forward slightly, placing a hand on the table.

“And where do I fit into your plans, Julian?”

His eyes warmed, a practiced bat of the eyes as he angled his head, trying to seduce her.

“At my side.”

He dared to brush his fingertips over her hand but pulled away again before she could jerk it free.

Kaylani sat back in her chair and asked, dead calm, “What does, at your side, actually mean?”

Julian’s fingers tapped once against the table.

“It means partnership, of course. Respect. Freedom. Power.”

I almost laughed.

Freedom wasn’t something men like him gave. It was something they pretended to offer until the collar clicked closed.