I FORCE myself to join Emilia and Marco for dinner when the time comes. They’ve let me stay in their house. I need to show them my gratitude.I freeze when I reach the foyer and see Leo coming into the house. I try to walk past him without him noticing, but he calls out to me. Why is it that I’m normally ignored, but the one time I actually want to be, the person I don’t want to talk to notices me?With a deep breath for courage, I turn to face Leo. “Hello.” “Trying to sneak away from me?” He saunters up to mewith a charming smile. “I have to say, I’m offended. I thoughtyou Moretti girls had more manners than that.” “Sorry,” I apologize instinctually.He leans in closer, and I resist the urge to step back. “You don’t actually have to apologize for that. In fact, I should be the one apologizing. My comments to you yesterday were rude. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. You’re a guest here. Shit, you’re Marco’s family now. So, I’m sorry.”I don’t know what to say. He sounds sin

FrancescaI set the box that Leo gave me on my bed and stare at it, too afraid to open it. Anything could be inside. A pretty dress, a personal item from Leo, or even a decapitated head. Itake a deep breath. Ok, I doubt it’s a decapitated head. So, then, why am I nervous?With a burst of bravery, I lift off the top of the box to see… fabric. It’s clothing. That’s a relief.Then I get a better look at it. It’s lingerie.A babydoll dress with a built-in bra. I pick it up gingerly and inspect it, noticing the lace and the sheer see-through-ness of it. I drop it back into the box and back away.Why did Leo gift me lingerie? He showed such consideration when gifting me the lilies that I found myself opening up to him. Why would he ruin that by giving me this? It’s brazen. Does he expect me to wear it? Why? It’s not as if he’s going to see me in it.Then I pause. Unless … he wants to see me in it. But I barely know Leo, and I’m so inexperienced; it’s almost painful. Maybe he gifted this

FrancescaThe lingerie set taunts me on my bed. I pace around the room, my fingers twitching and my eyes burning a hole into the fabric. Leo wants me to wear it and touchmyself. I don’t know how he’s able to be so confident and bold with his words. I practically stumble over everything I say. I could never suggest to someone I barely knew to touch themselves and think about me while doing it.Only Leo, I guess.He’s still a stranger to me in so many ways, and yet, he’s bringing out a side of me I’ve never explored before. Do I want to explore it? Deep down, I think yes.With a huff, I grab the lingerie and slip into it. The bra cups make my breast look bigger, and the lacey fabric helps me feel even more feminine. I’ve always been an awkward person, but wearing this … I feel like a grown woman for the first time.I lay down on the bed, my heart beating so fast it hurts.Can I do this? Only one way to know.I place my hands on my stomach and rest them, unsure how to proceed. I know th

Chapter 1The Panthers entered the Throne Hall of the Royal Castle with uncertainty in their hearts and guilt weighing heavily on their shoulders. They walked slowly, almost dragging their feet, trying in vain to delay their meeting with the King. Thoran had summoned them, but not only the Panthers; he had also summoned Gondabar and Raner. And if, as a rule, when the monarch requested their presence it was not usually for anything good, the fact that their leaders had also been called indicated that the meeting was not going to be a pleasant one, especially after what had happened at the Royal Wedding.Gondabar was leading the group down the long corridor toward the throne. His steps were unsteady and he moved slowly, almost as slowly as the Panthers. Raner was walking behind the leader of the Rangers, watching in case Gondabar stumbled and required his assistance. The Healer Edwina had been performing her arts of healing magic on the afflicted body of the octogenarian leader and he h

Chapter 2Thoran pointed his finger at Orten.“Stop, brother! Don’t shed blood!” he shouted like someone giving an order to a bulldog not to attack.His sword already half-unsheathed, Orten’s face was red with rage. He looked unable to hold back; he was not going to listen to his brother. He was going to attack them.“Incompetent cretins!” he yelled, glaring at Gondabar and Raner.Lasgol began to slide forward stealthily and gently.“Stop! I’m ordering you!” Thoran shouted at this brother.Orten stopped. He was struggling to control his rage. For an instant everyone watched tensely, hoping he could control himself. Finally, he took a step back and sheathed his sword.“They deserve a severe punishment for their stupidity and foolishness,” Orten said to his brother.Lasgol returned to his previous position with another swift move. He hoped no one in front had seen him; it seemed as though no one had. They were all too concentrated on what was happening with Orten to notice him. Everyone