Reign of a King (Kingdom Duet 1)

Her long, delicate neck is taut — with tension, no doubt. Both her arms are inert by her sides, not trying to hide her half-nakedness. She’s in an unflattering purple cotton bra and underwear, clearly highlighting that she didn’t put any effort into how she looks before she came here.

It’s her way of showing defiance. She’s telling me this means nothing and she’ll wake up in the morning and completely erase me.

Doesn’t she know there’s no erasing a king? At least, not when you reside in his kingdom.

I take my time sliding my gaze down her full, high tits that push against the bra with each harsh intake of breath. The pale skin contrasts against the purple like the type of art you only see in exhibitions.

Her body shape is slim, tall, and fit. Judging from her toned legs, either she jogs or hikes. There’s no line of tan on her shoulders or around her hips, even though we’re just out of the summer, which means Aurora doesn’t do sunbathing.

Aurora doesn’t wear swimsuits, but she runs or hikes.

I tuck that information away for later as I continue watching her rigid posture and the rebellion in her dark blues. They sparkle like a hurricane about to conquer an ocean.

My cock twitches and it’s not just because of her half-naked state. It’s that look in her eyes. The spirit, the fight. The damn stubbornness.

My blood rushes with a powerful heat at the idea of exploiting that fight, of digging my fingers into her armour and ripping it apart from the inside out.

How long has it been since I’ve had a worthy opponent? Aside from Ethan and his dog, Agnus, no one dares to look me in the eyes, let alone stand half-naked, in a vulnerable position, and still defy me.

My gaze slides to a medium length scar beneath her left breast. It’s horizontal, a bit messy, and appears old.

How old, though? And what happened to give her that scar?

There’s also what seems like a tattoo above it. It’s too small to make out its details, but I’ll have plenty of time to study that later.

Aurora wraps an arm around her midsection to hide her scar. She’s either ashamed of it or she doesn’t like to be exposed.

Fascinating.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I ask in my firm tone that people usually bolt at hearing. I don’t show that she took me by surprise. Again.

I thought I would have to fight her tooth and nail before she removed any piece of clothing. The fact that she’s willingly offering her body is the last thing I expected. And well, fuck me if that isn’t a turn on.

My dick thickens against my trousers, but I don’t bother adjusting it.

“I’m doing what we agreed on. Isn’t this what you want? I’m only giving you what you bargained for, Jonathan.”

“You’re not a whore, so don’t act like one. Put your dress back on and sit the fuck down.”

I’ll have my hands full with this one.

My lips pull in a small smile.

I’m looking forward to it.

13

Aurora

Damn it.

Damn. It.

How does he always make me feel as if I’ve overstepped a line or that I’m doing something wrong? He is in the wrong.

He’s the one who came up with this sordid deal. He’s the one who’s screwing up everything.

Jonathan watches me from across the table, his gaze going back and forth between my face and the arm I’m using to cover my scar and tattoo.