A Multitude of Explanations
Iremained standing.
If there was one thing I hated more than anything else, it was obeying orders. Especiallyhisorders.
“Aileana,” he ground out through clenched teeth. “Sit.”
Who was this male to command me around as though I belonged to him? I belonged to no one but myself.
The king had kept me on a leash for twenty-three years, and I would be damned if I let another male do the same thing to me.
“I’d rather stand,” I replied.
Xander’s silver-white brows rose as he studied me for a moment. His gaze was like a brand as it crawled over me, starting at my head and then dropping lower until it reached the hem of the shift resting above my knees. A steady dripping sound filled the cavern as small beads of water escaped the fabric and met the stone floor.
His voice rasped as he replied, “Fine. Suit yourself.”
“I will,” I replied. Silently, I congratulated myself on sounding prim and proper despite my inner turmoil.
“Good.” Xander reached behind him and grabbed a flask. He lifted it to his lips, his eyes never leaving mine as he moved.
We were playing a dangerous game, one that I wasn’t sure I knew the rules to. But it felt good to play. To tease. To watch him squirm.
And I really, really, didn’t want to lose.
He tilted back the flask, and I watched as his throat bobbed. I kept my eyes on his as he pulled it from his mouth, wiping a stray drop with the back of his hand. Holding his gaze, I bent, straightening my soaked dress and petticoats so they would have the chance to dry. The rustling of fabric was the only sound in the cavern as the air grew impossibly thick between us. I took my time adjusting the material until it was perfectly flat against the stone floor.
When I straightened, Xander held out the brown flask. He asked, “Water?”
Suddenly, I realized a dryness in my throat. “Yes, please.”
I kept my eyes on him as I stepped around the fire, extending my hand. My fingers were inches from the flask when Xander yanked it back at the last minute.
“Hey!” I scowled
Xander tsked. “Now, now, Sunshine. How about you start talking?”
I glared at him, crossing my arms in front of my chest. The movement was less dignified than I’d hoped, considering I was practically naked, but I watched as his eyes flew to my chest.
Xander’s jaw clenched as I asked, “You’re going to make me work for water? And you say I’m mean.”
He tilted his head. “How else am I going to get information out of you? You’re shut up more tightly than a bulb at the beginning of the spring.”
I scoffed. I had reasons for being so secretive. And this male did not inspire confidence with his exasperating ways and persistent questions. Sucking on my lip, I tapped my foot on the ground. “I’ll make you a deal.”
“A deal,” he echoed.
I nodded. “Yes. You give me some water, and I will answer every question you ask.”
He raised a brow. “I sense a ‘but’ coming.”
A small smile danced on my lips. He wasn’t wrong.
“But…” I drew out the word, “in return, you will answer a question of mine.”
His eyes flashed before a smirk settled on his face. “So now we’re bargaining?”
“Yes,” I said firmly. “You want something from me and I want something from you. Based on my experience, that means we have all the necessary pieces needed for a bargain. What do you say?”