One corner of his mouth lifted. “For her, I can wait.”
“You spoke to her for all of a moment. How can you possibly know that?”
He looked back to Jayde who still watched him. “She is etched into my soul. There is no one else.”
“Good luck, my friend.”
* * * *
Jayde rose with the rest of court, ready to escape the heat of Endiscott’s gaze. There was no chance he would forget his promise to take her out for the evening. Her mother had counselled resistance, but she wasn’t sure that was possible.
As if hearing the course of her thoughts, her mother squeezed her hand. “Jayde, darling, relax. He wants to know you.”
“You heard what he said,” she whispered.
“Yes. He is a man.” She shrugged with a soft laugh. “However, he will not cross your barriers.”
Do I have any barriers with regard to Endiscott? He’s every woman’s fantasy, no one ever resists. How in the abyss am I supposed to?
Mother squeezed her hand again. “Don’t let him under your skirts. Make him earn your love.”
She nodded dumbly, trying to smother her smoldering desire.
A warm hand gently curled over her shoulder. “Are you ready, Jayde?”
Turning, she attempted to find her voice but promptly lost it again in a tidal wave of desire. His broad shoulders and hard body were carved from fantasy. Endiscott’s smile promised wicked delight, and those eyes took in her every move. Unable to formulate a verbal response, she nodded.
His smile warmed as he stared into her soul. “I promise to be on my best behavior.”
“I’ll see you tonight, Jayde,” her mother reminded, before slipping past them.
Jayde reluctantly swept her gaze through the auditorium. They were already alone. “What are your plans?”
One corner of his mouth quirked. “To sit under the stars in a lovely clearing not far from my home. We’ll eat a wonderful meal while you tell me every last detail about yourself. I’ll tell you about myself, and hope I manage not to scare you away.”
“What could you have possibly done that’s so horrible?” she asked breathlessly.
“I have lived much longer than you, through some dark times, and I regret a few of my decisions.”
“Don’t we all?” she countered.
“You? Regret what?”
One side of her mouth tipped up. “Nothing worth mentioning.”
Grinning, he took her arm, sending a thrill of excitement through her. “Come, we have the whole afternoon and evening before us.”
* * * *
After the carriage ride, and a silent walk, Endiscott finally relaxed. She watched him with desire and curiosity. Without the pressure of court, she had loosened up and a genuine smile appeared.
He took her hand and helped her to a seated position before sitting alongside. “Soon, we’ll have that promised meal, but I’m enjoying this time alone with you.”
“I’m content to stay here with you. Food or not.”
“I would be a poor host if I did not fulfill my promise.”
“True. Though I’ll be honest, I didn’t come for a meal.”
He leaned closer, a smile flirting across his full lips. “What did you come for?”
“To solve a mystery.” Her brow arched. “What does the most desired nymph in all of Faerie want with a Paineater?”
“I’m captivated by you. No other woman exists when you’re present. My thoughts haven’t strayed from you once, Jayde. I can’t be the only man who craves your time, though I’ll gladly monopolize all of it.”
A soft laugh escaped her lips. “It’s been merely a day, and I realize you’re interested, but I am not persuaded the sentiment is lasting. Perhaps for a nymph this is unusual, but I need proof you won’t move on to the next woman who catches your eye.”
“I’ll persuade you in time. My interest won’t wane.”
Amusement danced through her hazel eyes. “We’ll see.”
“As for other men, they must also see what I do.”
Her nostrils flared as she shook her head. “Most men are afraid of what I can do. Others would use my power for their gain. I won’t be anyone’s tool.”
He sat back with a scowl. “What is it you think I want?”
Looking away, she lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “Not a clue.”
“You’re a beautiful woman. You’re clearly intelligent. There is no one like you. Is it so hard to imagine you’ve captured my interest?”
“You are the first man to show true interest in me. How do I know what’s in your heart?”
“That is not true. Every man watched you today. Even Aeremaius, who obviously wants your mother in the worst possible way.”
A shudder rocked through her as she glared back. “The man disgusts me. He doesn’t count.”
“Smart woman.” He didn’t trust the prince of Air either.
“You can’t tell me you didn’t feel every pair of female eyes on you at court. Every woman wants a taste of the great Endiscott.” A slight blush colored her cheeks, but she didn’t pull away.
“Does that include you?”
“Yes,” she admitted, her eyes dropping to his mouth.
He leaned toward her, brushing his lips over hers. When he licked the seam of her mouth, she opened, and his tongue caressed hers. Sweet and tangy, unlike anything he’d encountered.
Endiscott groaned as he sat back, craving more, but he remembered Janessa’s words. Courting indeed. His parents would be thrilled when he announced his plans to claim her as his mate. He could feel the pull of a bond, something he’d never experienced in the past.
Snapping twigs and rustling branches alerted Endiscott. Smiling softly, he dipped his head. Elondril had given him fair warning they weren’t alone.
Jayde sat still as ice. Her lids closed as she struggled for breath. She affected him the same way. His chest heaved, yet he wanted to lean in for another taste.
Elondril carried a large woven basket into the clearing. His hair bound in its usual braided twist that showed all colors of the rainbow. They’d been friends since childhood. Elondril and his parents were technically slaves, but functioned more like family. Each served some valued role in the house, not like most slaves in other households. His parents had always voted toward freedom of all people, and had taken in the Hyter Sprites to keep them from an earth dragon’s clutches.
The basket was placed before Jayde and Endiscott. Elondril straightened, giving Jayde a smile. “Enjoy,” he said, before walking back the way he came.
Endiscott looked back to catch the wink Elondril gave him. Then he shifted into a hummingbird to fly back to the house. When he turned to Jayde, one brow arched. “Isn’t Elondril your friend?”
“Can you keep a secret?”
She dipped her head in a nod.
“I truly hope so. It’s best if people believe it rumor, but yes, he is a trusted friend, though everyone believes his family to be our servants. The ruse is for their protection.”
“Seems you have several close friends, such as Toryn and Reance.”
“Aye, they are. Though I don’t count many people as true friends.”
“Would you count me? Or am I simply a woman you want?”
“I want, more than anything, for you to be my friend first, and lover second. I will do everything in my power to prove it’s more than your body I crave.” He caught her hand, twining his fingers in hers.
“I’m pleased.”
“I want your full trust before I do more than taste your lips. I want your heart, your love, before I claim you as mine.”
Blushing, she looked down at the basket.
“Say something,” he pleaded.
“You have a lot to prove, Endiscott. Your reputation,” she shook her head with a small laugh, “is tarnished.”
“I’ll polish it to a luster for you. Give me a chance to prove myself worthy.”
“No other women for you? How will you survive?”<
br />
“A kiss now and again will tide me over until you believe.”
She leaned in and sucked his bottom lip into her mouth before sitting back. “Our supper smells wonderful.”
“I did promise to feed you.” He opened the basket, serving them dinner.
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Seductive Solutions Page 8