If you couldn’t tell by the mature warning, this chapter will have some spicy bits. If that makes you uncomfortable, there will be a chapter summary in the notes so you won’t miss anything if you decide to skip it.

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Liam groaned as he lifted Isabella against the stone wall of her bedchamber. She’d forgone taking off her dress, which was pushed up against her hips. She threw her head back as he bucked up against her. She’d already found her pleasure once with his strong and calloused hands. She rarely came from penetration, but he was so wonderfully thick that she couldn’t help but moan as he roughly pressed into her.

That was how she liked it- feral. Gentle caresses were fine to start with, but knowing that someone had gotten lost inside her, making them completely let go, gave her a high with no comparison.

She watched through heavily lidded eyes as a bead of sweat pooled near his temple and trickled down his face. She pulled at his hair, spurring him on further. He bent forward, dragging his hot tongue against her neck. She regretted staying clothed. She yearned for him to suck at her nipples like he had last time.

She felt a fluttering in her stomach and exhaled as her warm, wet sex clenched around him. At the sensation, Liam uttered a string of consonants and spun her around, dropping her on the bed. She watched as he came into his hand in thick white pulses.

She tossed him a towel to clean up before he collapsed next to her.

“Holy fucking shit,” she breathed, staring at the ceiling. Her legs were kicked over the edge of the bed, hands resting on her stomach. Her pulse was beating so rapidly she could feel it through the fabric of her top.

“Yeah, agreed,” he panted. He rolled over to face her. “Want me to eat you out?” he offered.

She shook her head. “Not right now, but thanks.”

He shrugged. “Let’s at least make you more comfortable.” She didn’t protest as he hooked his arms under her knees and shoulders, lifting her up.

He pulled back a blanket and deposited her underneath it. He crawled in next to her. Despite the warmth of their bodies, she couldn’t help but snuggle closer. She lazily traced patterns in his coarse chest hair as they came down from their shared highs.

“Thanks for talking to me out there.”

She raised a quizzical eyebrow at him, surprised by the random statement.

“I thought Rowan would make me eat with him at the Carpenter’s,” he clarified. “I think he let me stay by the carriage when we arrived because he didn’t want to interrupt our conversation. They have to be some of the most snobbish people I’ve ever met, so you really came to my rescue.”

Isabella snorted. “Yeah. Having lived next to them for over a decade, I can confirm that the Carpenters really are the worst.”

He pet her hair, nodding in agreement. “They have to be some of the most boring people I’ve ever met, yet think they can treat people however they like.”

“Yes, but aren’t most nobles like that?” she jested.

He shook his head. “Not all of them. I mean, Rowan’s been my friend since childhood and he never cared that my family is piss poor.” He pressed a kiss on the top of her head. “You don’t seem to mind much either. I guess you're both too nice.”

Isabella waved a hand lazily at him. “I’m not nice. I just don’t handle classist bullshit well.”

“I’m very grateful for that,” he smiled. “Honestly, I’m surprised a woman such as yourself ever glanced my way.”

She propped herself up on one elbow to face him. “What is that supposed to mean?”

A pink color peppered his cheeks. “Well, not only are you wealthy and beautiful, but you have one of the sharpest minds I’ve ever met. Honestly, hearing you talk about your medicinal work is awe-inspiring. Not only does your beauty rival the late queen’s, but you’re smart enough to be one of the king’s chemists.”

“One of the king’s chemists? You’re well acquainted with my body. Have you really not noticed that I’m a woman?”

He let out a hearty laugh. “Yes, I’m aware. But I’m sure the kingdom will change its ways someday. With women such as yourself around, I’m sure of it.”

She huffed. His sentiment was sweet, but it appeared he was just as naïve as the prince he protected.

“Do you believe in fate, Baroness?”

She shrugged. “I never did in the past, but I’ve met enough fae to make me doubt.”

“What do you mean?”

She thought back to one of the old, misty-eyed women she’d met at the clinic. “Very few are allotted brief glimpses of the future.”

He stared at her in shock. “What?!”

“Oh hush. They can’t control it, and it’s usually mundane things like ‘you’ll break your nail next Tuesday’ or ‘your pet dog has a tick’. It just gives some credence to fate; that some things are set in stone.”

He swallowed, trying to gain his nerve. “Well, I think there’s a reason we met here again.”

“Yeah, the Carpenters are my neighbors. I thought we established that already.”

He shook his head. “I’ve been thinking about you for weeks. I…” he trailed off. “I know that Rowan will want to come back here to meet with Bran since he’s staying with you. Maybe we can keep each other company while they’re together?”

“To fuck?”

He blushed again. “If that’s what you want. I’ll take anything you’re willing to give.”

She felt a tingle in her chest, but quickly pushed it down. Even with his crooked nose and scarred cheek, Liam’s face held the earnestness and enthusiasm of a schoolboy. She chose her words carefully, but managed to keep a casual tone. “I’m willing to see you again, but that is all I want.”

He took her hand and gently kissed her knuckles. “Thank you.”

They sat quietly for a few moments before he broke the silence. “When we spoke at the soiree you said you were researching the healing properties of Saint John’s Wort. Have you discovered anything new?”

She reached for the journal next to her bed. “Actually, I have!” she replied excitedly.

He grinned at her enthusiasm. “Please, tell me more.”

-

Isabella and Bran had crammed themselves into a small examination room. Marian was checking patients into the clinic, while Dr. Verdan was still setting up for the day.

She reverently ran a finger over the golden chain and twisted the small sapphire in her hands.

“He has good taste. It does match your eyes,” she whispered. “So is he your wealthy new benefactor now? Is this like a promise ring or something?” she said, a teasing smile pulling on her lips.

“Hardly!” he bristled, missing her joking tone. “That’s preposterous. I chastise him every time we see each other. We’re hardly friends.”

She tugged gently on the necklace. “Hardly friends? Is that why you're still wearing this?”

Bran made an indignant face that Isabella recognized immediately. He was flustered. “Excuse me, but Atticus could riffle through my things at any moment; he’s done it before. This is the safest place for it.” He tucked the jewelry back under his shirt, pressing it against his chest.

She hummed skeptically as a reply.

“What about you? You're dating that guard now?”

“Better! He’s open to being friends with benefits. It’s perfect; I can sleep with him as much as I want without the responsibility.”

Bran scoffed. “He sounds far too gone on you for that. You always manage to have people pine after you while fucking.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said, flipping her long chestnut hair. “None of them want relationships with the real me. They just want to continue their wild romps. They like the idea of courting me.”

Bran tilted his head. “Are you sure with this one? How many of your partners have stayed in bed just to hear you talk about toadstools?”

“Are you really giving relationship advice right now? Mr. The-prince-is-so-annoying-I-don’t-even-like-him ?”

“I'll admit, he has grown on me a tiny bit, but that’s all.”

“Is that why you kissed him?”

Bran flushed scarlet and began spluttering. He was saved by a knock on the door.

“Bran,” Dr. Verdan called out. “It appears that our sweet little Puck has fallen out of a tree. Adella specifically requested you to help him.”

Grateful for an excuse to avoid her questioning, Bran kissed Isabella on the cheek. “Excuse me, dear, but duty calls.”

“We’re not done talking about this!” Isabella yelled after him.

He was sure they had much to discuss later.