“Just a little rougher than I’m used to. Different. Not different bad, just different.”
Lila lay down beside him. “Sorry.”
“I’m not complaining.” La Roux chuckled, tugging her back to his chest. “I have to ask, though…who were you having sex with just now? Who were you thinking about?”
“I was thinking about you.”
“No, you weren’t.” He pushed back a lock of her hair and kissed her forehead, his thumb trailing her cheek. “It’s okay. I’ve spent entire seasons dreaming that the other person in my bed was someone different. I know how it is sometimes. You have your lovers, but sometimes duty lies in one direction while your heart strains in another. Some say it’s the mark of immaturity, but I disagree.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, really? Then who’s Tristan?”
Shit.
Lila shut her mouth, realizing it had been open for several long seconds. “Tristan who?”
“I asked first. You called out his name the entire time. Tristan… Tristan… Tristan…” he mocked gently.
“Did not.”
La Roux rolled on top of her, held her down, and laughed. “Tristan… Tristan… Tristan…” he called out, his thumb tickling her hip.
“Get off,” she squealed, jerking in his grasp, twisting, trying to get free.
Trying not to laugh.
“I did get off—a number of times, to my delight. “Tristan… Tristan… Tristan…” he sang out, humping her playfully. “Tell me. Who is Tristan?”
Lila stopped struggling and turned her head away. “I am so sorry.”
“Don’t be. I was thinking of someone else here and there, too.”
Lila looked up. “Really?”
La Roux nodded.
“Who?”
He shook his head. “You didn’t tell me, so I’m not telling you. I think we both like our secrets.” He let go of her wrists, and took her mouth in a powerful kiss. “We don’t have to pretend like we’re in love, you know. We can just be friends and have fun when we’re together. If we forget who we’re in bed with from time to time, we can forgive one another for it.”
“Did I really say his name?”
“You didn’t so much say it as shout it. It was kind of cute, actually. It’s good that I’m not a jealous man.”
“It wouldn’t matter if you were. He drew a line, and I crossed it tonight. It’s over. He’ll never speak to me again.”
“He wanted to keep you all to himself? How selfish. He’s a fool to demand that of another highborn, much less an heir. We have our duties. My cousin never demanded that of your sister. Mentioned his interest, yes. Talked about his feelings, sure. But demanded? What was the idiot thinking, giving out ultimatums?”
“Perhaps he wasn’t thinking, not with his mind, anyway.”
“Not with his cock, either. He fell in love with you.”
Lila shrugged.
“You’re in love with him?”
Lila looked up and shook her head. “No, of course not.”