In the Flesh Read Online Free PDF Page A

throat. “I cannot keep him.”
    But she wanted to. With a primitive hunger she’d never experienced before. There was fire in her blood, such as her mother had told her about. And the way he looked at her…
    Sweat broke out on her skin.
    She knew that look. He wanted her, too. Yet Prince Wulfric was dangerous in every way imaginable. He was a master to her slave, a prince to her concubine. She’d just been released from that life and she would never go back to it.
    “How am I expected to keep him here, and why? Who chose him for me?”
    “He is a gift from the queen, Mistress. She bids you to tame him as you did the king.”
    A dry laugh rasped from her throat. This man was no gift. He was a spiteful punishment for stealing the affections of the king. The queen probably hoped the prince would kill her. Or that she would kill him first.
    “The queen has provided seven of her personal guardsmen to assist you.”
    “I see.” Sapphire licked dry lips and watched as an answering smolder lit Wulfric’s eyes.
    Looking at him, she felt a strangely profound regret. She would never be allowed to enjoy him the way he should be enjoyed. They were at odds without saying a word. He was a prisoner and she was his keeper, but given the slightest chance, he wouldeasily reverse their roles. He was hot. Her resistance would melt. And while she would most likely glory in every minute of it, Sapphire couldn’t allow it to happen.
    She offered a mournful smile. Wulfric’s mouth curved up on one side, his gaze still burning with desire but sharp with challenge. She could read his response to her withdrawal in his eyes. Relentless, ruthless—that’s what the media said about him. He got what he wanted, and he wanted her.
    “Guardian, what if I wish to release him?” she asked.
    “But you do not. Your vital signs tell me—”
    “I know what my vitals are telling you. That’s precisely the reason he has to go.”
    “Yes, Mistress. No order was given forcing you to keep him. I conclude that leaves the choice to you.”
    Sapphire held the prince’s gaze. Something passed between them, an awareness that intensified with each passing second. How could she feel this way about a man she’d never touched or spoken to? For all she knew, he could be a cruel and selfish man.
    Yet she sensed he wasn’t. His gaze was too direct. He allowed her to see everything he was feeling—attraction, desire, defiance, determination.
    She sighed. “The queen knows I will do nothing to bring attention to this. We could both be executed for treason. Brenna’s bitterness must truly run deep for her to resort to this reckless and ill-conceived plan of revenge.”
    “As you say, Mistress.”
    “How could she predict my reaction to thisman?” she wondered out loud. She was startled by this depth of feeling. How could a stranger know?
    “My conclusion is that she expected hatred, due to your father’s position.”
    Sapphire stiffened. Her father. If he were to discover Wulfric…
    She had to hide him.
    The moment the thought was conceived, she rejected it. What was she thinking, wanting to protect the prince? Only two men had ever held important places in her life—her father and her king. The prince was their enemy. Why was she considering his welfare first?
    “Guardian.” Squaring her shoulders, Sapphire turned toward the door. “Send for three guardsmen. His Highness is almost healed and will be released from the chamber soon.” The portal slid open as she neared it. The heat of Wulfric’s gaze burned her back until the door closed behind her. She refused to return his look.
    “What are your orders in regard to Prince Wulfric?”
    “Have him dressed, fed, then locked in his room to sleep. You will advise me when he awakens. In the meantime, gather all the information you can about him and give me a report. I want to know what I’m dealing with.”
    “Of course, Mistress.”
    “Pull up the architectural plans for this palace. I’ll need