Page 65 of Dagger’s Shield

By eleven, Rémy had fallen asleep in the chair by the fire. Marthe covered him with a blanket and said her good nights. Maman and Papa followed soon after. Then Dagger and I went upstairs.

I lay in the dark, beside him, trying to remember a time in my life when I’d felt more loved, more cherished, than I had today. I couldn’t recall anything that came close.

“Killian?”

“Yes, mon feu?”

“You told me to ask you on an ordinary day. A day when the ground wasn’t caving in underneath me.” I turned to face him. “Nothing caved in today.”

He drew in a deep breath. “Maëlle, I told you what will happen if you ask. I will never let you go. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Oui.”

15

DAGGER

One word meant everything I’d dreamed of for a year was about to come true.

“Say it again,” I pleaded.

“Oui.”

I got out of bed, grabbed my clothes, and started to dress.

She sat up, with the duvet against her chest, and in the low light, her chin came up, she pressed her lips together, and her brow furrowed. She thought I was refusing her for a third time.

“Killian, what are you⁠—”

“The first time we make love, Maëlle, you won’t be quiet and I won’t hurry. Neither of those is possible with your parents down the hall.” I threw her the coat from the back of the chair. “Put that and your boots on. We’re going to the cottage.”

She was out of the bed before I’d finished the sentence. When I took the box of condoms from my kit and put it in my pocket, she raised a brow. “Confident, are you?”

“Prepared. Let’s go.”

The chateau remained dark as I turned out of the drive. We were barely past the gates when my instructions for her began.

“Open your coat.”

I could feel her eyes on me while mine remained on the road.

“Killian?”

“You heard me.” I glanced over and waited while she unfastened it. “Now, slide your knickers aside and touch yourself.”

This time, there was no hesitation.

“Tell me what you feel,” I said without looking at her.

“I’m warm.” Her voice was already lower than it had been.

“What else?”

“I’m wet.” My grip tightened on the wheel. “I’ve been wet since you told me to put my boots on.”

“Press hard on your clit. Make small circles, but do not put your fingers in your pussy.”

“Why not?”