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I hovered my hand over the knife beneath my dress

I flinched as he slid his hands around my waist and placed a kiss onin his face as he dreay, but I had to be careful

For now, if I was to have any chance of taking a my voice steady

His eyes roamed my body

He turned on Bella

"How ?" "Three," she lied

"Increase it to four, and feed her irl

Not everyone who stays here receives the treat" I forced a s ht persuade you that I’m better off alive than a meal on your plate" He cocked his head to one side

I cast a glance at Bella and nodded toward the door

"Leave," I ordered her

She looked atfor Anselm’s reaction

When he nodded toward the door, she exited

Curiosity sparked in thefor his hands, replaced them on my waist

"You said I’m a princess, did you not?" A sh it looked more like a sneer than a smile

"Indeed you are" "And you are a prince" He nodded

"Then"--I leaned closer to his ear, dropping my voice to a whisper--"wouldn’t it , he pushed me back on the bed

"I’m not sure you could earn your keep

Whatever it was you offered o the taste of your tender flesh" I shivered as he leaned over me, his eyes locked on ainst the crook ofa deep breath as he breathed in ainst mine now

As discreetly as I could, I raised a knee so that he wouldn’t flatten h

With the other hand, I gripped his collar and pulled him closer

"Perhaps you underestimateht it sla wide as he stared at e of his rab the keys from his belt, roll him off me and leap out of the bed

I lurched toward the door