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“No.” At the reminder of my outer casing, bitterness and resentment crept through me, an insidious combination that eroded all joy. “What do you like most about me? My red hair? Green eyes? Willowy figure?”
He frowned at my change in mood. “I enjoy the packaging, yes, but I prefer your mind,” he admitted with a low timbre. “I’ve never desired a woman the way I desire you, Elle. I will protect you with my life.”
I should’ve thrilled, but his words made me feel as if he’d twisted a knife in my gut. Would he ever have a chance to direct those words at me, Elizabeth?I despaired, wanting to howl at the injustice.
“I’m glad we’re building a bridge between us,” he added, digging the blade deeper. “Keeping our vows to each other.”
I almost shouted, “I didn’t make those vows. Isobel did!”
“I’m also glad you wear my mark.” Reaching out, he ghosted his knuckles along my jawline. “I want forever with you.”
I heard the yearning in his voice. Felt the pleasure in his touch. He sought a happy marriage—and he deserved it. Would Isobel give him a chance? Would I? “With the real me?”
“The real you, and no other.” He gave my jaw another caress. “I won’t be satisfied until I get it.”
Chapter
Twenty-Three
Gird Your Loins: Facing His Family Isn’t For the Fearful
FromA Beginner’s Guide to Berserker Bliss
Author Unknown
Callen escorted me to the car, where Prince Jamie waited without my guard. “I hope you don’t mind, but Jamie needs a ride to our home.”
“That’s fine,” I replied, still fighting for sanity after Callen’s admission. A king of berserkers, my husband, desired a future with me. At the same time, Tavish worked to use me to hurt him. Isobel demanded money. Callen deserved the truth. I’d had an opportunity to come clean, but I’d chickened out. The door of opportunity hadn’t closed, though. A brief crack remained.
And if Callen broke, like past berserkers had done?
My husband helped me inside the vehicle, kissed my knuckles and waited at the curb as I pulled away. Flutters stirred in my belly for miles afterward, preventing me fromconsidering anything else. Well, except for Jamie, who glared at me, per usual.
“What?” I demanded.
“What’s your game?”
“No game.” I so didn’t need this. Not now.
“You are distracting him when he needs to be focused. “
“My intentions are honorable, I assure you.”
“Maybe. And I admit there’s something different about you. We’ve all noticed, and everyone else seems to think it’s genuine. That you’ve changed for the better. But I have doubts. You’re going to hurt him. I sense it.”
What could I say to that? Had he begun to suspect the soul switch?
I shifted away from the prince and peered out the window, doing my best to block him from my notice. Thankfully, Jamie held his peace the rest of the way.
At home, I went straight to my bedroom, ready to get to thinking. Only, I found a metallic blue evening gown with a boned corset top waiting on the bed. The deep V paired nicely with a high split in the skirt. Material cinched at the waist to flow freely over my hips, which gave Isobel’s slender frame an hourglass curve. A diamond choker nestled inside a velvet box next to a pair of diamond-studded sandals without a heel.
Trembling, I lifted the note that rested on top.
Elle,
During our clan reception, I didn’t treat you with the respect and affection you deserve. I’d like another chance. Join me for are-do at 7:00 this evening?
Yours,
