The Royal's Obsession by Sophia Lynn Read Free Book Online Page A

sea.”
    Augustine's laugh was low and rueful.
    “I have a habit of making poor impressions, don't I?”
    “Well, I’mstill here, and I’m still speaking to you, at least, so that’s something. Now you tell me a truth.”
    “I watched you before I said anything,” he said promptly.
    “What do you mean?”
    “When you came into the solarium, you were stopped in your tracks by the view of the water. You looked as if you had been touched by something magical, something divine. You stood there, enraptured and uncaring about who might be looking at you, who might be staring. Instead you were completely wrapped up in the moment, lit from within by some kind of holy glow.
    “I couldn't bear to disturb you for a few moments, and in that time, I only watched you. I stared with wonder at how beautiful you are when you are consumed by your own passion.”
    Anastasia folded her hands together because she was not quite sure what she should do with them. The first time she had met Augustine was sketched in her memory. The fact that he had a piece of it that she hadn't been aware of was fascinating to her.
    “I must have looked like a fool,” she said with a slight smile.
    “Not at all. You looked like the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen.”
    He said it with such a matter-of-fact tone that it took her a few moments before she realized what he had said. When she realized the meaning of his words, she shook her head.
    “I thought that you didn't lie,” she said, her voice wavering a little.
    As if drawn by the softness of her words, he stepped closer. All of the air seemed to be leaving the room; suddenly, she felt her heart beat faster and her breath come quicker.
    “I don't,” he said. “Ask for another truth.”
    He was like a cobra that had captivated her. She stared up at him. In the darkness, she could make out only a few details of his face. She knew that he was smiling, that much was true. She swallowed hard.
    “Give me another truth,” she said.
    “From the moment I laid eyes on you, I’ve been imagining what would happen if I kissed you instead of talking to you.”
    Her breath sighed between her lips. With him so close, she could imagine the soft brush of his lips against hers, the sweetness that they could share together.
    “Ask me for another truth,” he urged.
    “Tell me another truth.”
    “When I see you laugh and walk, I see such grace that it might drive me crazy. You could seduce a man simply by walking past and looking at woven goods in a little marketplace. I have never met anyone quite like you, and it makes my heart beat faster.”
    He paused. Augustine reached out one hand towards her face. She didn't flinch back; instead she simply sat still and wide-eyed as he stroked the gentlest caress down her cheek. His touch left electricity in its wake, and she stifled a soft sigh.
    “Give me another truth,” she murmured, eyes never leaving his.
    “Sometimes I want you so much it makes me cruel. I am not proud of this, but I recognize it. You deserve to know that as well.”
    The silence between them stretched out. When Anastasia swallowed, they could both hear the dry click of her throat.
    “Ask me for a truth,” she said softly.
    “Tell me something true, Anastasia.”
    The part of her that he had hurt so carelessly on the island cried against this. It told her that what she did next was pure foolishness and that she would quickly regret all of it. The rest of her responded that she didn't care. He had asked for a truth, and there was one above all that she wanted to give to him.
    “I…I have been drawn to you ever since I saw you. I don't always know what to do with that. Sometimes you are cruel, and I want to get as far away from you as I can. Sometimes you are kind, and it lights up the world.”
    She struggled with her words for a moment, and then she decided to throw caution to the winds. She reached up to take his hand, pressing it to her cheek.
    “But my truth right this