Chapter 82
Besides, if she were somehow caught, Rosalind could easily claim she had come to return books. Granted, it was absurdly late for such an excuse, but it was still better than being discovered sneaking through the palace for entirely different reasons.
Still, she had no intention of getting caught at all.
Carefully, she put everything Rowan had taught her into practice as she moved through the corridors unseen. Staying close to the shadows, timing her steps perfectly, and avoiding the guards’ patrol routes, Rosalind eventually made it all the way to the library without incident.
The moment she slipped through the doors, she released a quiet breath of relief.
To her surprise, no one guarded the place at this hour.
The library sat in complete silence, most of the candles already extinguished for the night, leaving only pale moonlight spilling through the tall windows to guide her path.
Rosalind walked slowly between the endless shelves, her footsteps soft against the floor while rows of books surrounded her on every side. As she moved deeper toward the back of the library, her heartbeat gradually began to quicken again.
She was about to see him.
And this time, they would be completely alone.
Her throat tightened slightly at the thought of everything they had already done together… and everything they might do tonight.
Then finally, at the far end of the library, Rosalind spotted the faint flicker of candlelight glowing in the darkness.
Rowan.
The restricted section stretched before her, isolated from the rest of the library, and the moment Rosalind stepped into it fully, her footsteps slowed.
His eyes lifted to meet hers at once.
A wave of nervous heat curled through her stomach.
“You came,” Rowan said at last.
Rosalind swallowed.
A soft nervous laugh escaped her as she glanced around briefly before looking back at him.
“So… why the library p>
Rowan tilted his head slightly. “Because it’s quiet,” he answered calmly, “and no one comes to the restricted section this late at night p>
Rosalind nodded slowly.
A wooden table stood behind him, and as he leaned lightly against it, his gaze drifted over her body with such quiet intensity that warmth instantly spread to her cheeks again.
“So why did you come?” he asked.
Rosalind hesitated at first, “You… told me to come,” she answered carefully.
“I know,” Rowan admitted easily, not denying it for a second. “But you still had a choice to stay in your room.” His eyes held hers steadily. “Instead, you came. Why, Rosalind p>
Her chest rose and fell unevenly.
What else could she possibly say?
Looking into his eyes, Rosalind realized he was genuinely waiting for an answer, not teasing her. And when she continued struggling to respond, Rowan finally gave her the hint she needed.
“Did you come so I could pleasure you?” he asked, one brow lifting slightly.
Her breath caught instantly.
That… That was exactly why she had come.
Because she wanted more.
Because she had liked what he did to her last night p>
“Yes,” Rosalind finally answered.
Slowly, Rowan straightened to his full height.
Rosalind swallowed hard as he approached her, forcing herself to remain still despite how violently her heart was beating now. He stopped directly in front of her before lifting one hand to caress her cheek gently.
“Why don’t you say it properly, Rosalind?” he asked softly, his deep voice settling heavily against her skin. The darkness had returned to his eyes again, desire flickering there openly now.
Rosalind stared at him, suddenly realizing she did not know which version of Rowan affected her more, was it the composed and controlled man she saw every day, or this side of him that looked dangerously close to losing restraint for her sake.
“I want you she began quietly.
His gaze searched hers patiently.
“To pleasure me,” she finished at last.
A slow smile spread across Rowan’s lips, and something about it sent another wave of heat through her body. It was attractive and slightly daunting all at once.
Did she truly know this man at all?
“It wasn’t that difficult now, was it?” he murmured.
Before Rosalind could answer, Rowan suddenly swept her off her feet. A soft gasp escaped her lips as he carried her effortlessly toward the wooden table before setting her carefully on top of it.
Then he stood between her legs, his gaze never once leaving hers.
Rosalind pressed her lips together tightly.
His fingers slid slowly through her hair, feeling the softness of it curl around his hand while he looked at her with an intensity that made her pulse race harder. And when his hand tightened slightly, gripping a fistful of her hair gently enough not to hurt, his voice lowered.
“I don’t think you can handle what you came here for, dear Rosalind p>
Her fingers tightened against the edge of the table immediately. “I can,” she answered without hesitation.
That seemed to be all the permission Rowan needed and he kissed her hungrily at once.
Ah, Rowan thought as his mouth moved against hers, he had barely survived since last night. Rosalind had occupied his mind endlessly… her lips, her touch, the soft sounds she made for him. And now that she was finally here again, he intended to hear those sounds all over again.
His kisses trailed away from her lips and down her throat while his hand remained tangled in her hair, tilting her head back for him. Then, against her skin, he whispered quietly,
“Why did you hide the mark p>
“It would’ve raised questions,” Rosalind answered breathlessly.
Rowan guided her face back toward him before slowly wiping away part of the concealer covering her neck. The faint bruise underneath became visible once more.
“I know, Rosalind,” he murmured, his thumb brushing lightly over the mark. “But I want to see it p>
Her breath trembled slightly. “Because it reminds me of everything I did to you p>
Rosalind swallowed hard. “And everything I still plan to do p>
A.N: I hope we’re all enjoying every bit of this… Mature content coming right up, so brace yourselves!