Prince Ashton inhaled deeply and approached her until they were merely an inch apart. Molly attempted to retreat but collided with the desk situated behind her. “I have contemplated you incessantly during your absence, Molly,” he confessed. His verdant eyes traced the contours of her visage. “Have you ever contemplated my existence?” he enquired.
Molly had never experienced such a profound sense of speechlessness. Her lips separated, yet no sound emerged. She had nothing to express.
“I recognise that this is abrupt, Molly.” He clasped her hands.
“I… what? What are you implying, Prince Ashton?” She silently hoped he was merely expressing concern for her as a friend…nothing beyond that. However, the expression on his face conveyed a different message, causing her heart to race with apprehension.
“I am expressing my desire for you to cease referring to me as ‘prince.’ It causes me emotional distress when you bow to me or use that title. I have observed you addressing my other brothers by their names.”
“Do you desire me to address you as Ashton?” Molly enquired tentatively.
Ashton chuckled softly and tousled his hair with his fingers. “I understand this may be unexpected, but I resolved that upon your return, I would express my feelings.”
His emerald eyes scrutinised her visage once more, yet she felt devoid of emotion. “I do not comprehend your meaning…”
Prince Ashton’s gaze shifted to her lips. He tucked her hair behind her ear, and Molly sensed time accelerating beyond her comprehension. Her thoughts lagged two steps behind his actions, and she desired to distance herself from him.
“Perhaps I should demonstrate…” He leaned down, but quickly recoiled as the large doors creaked open.
Jayce glared at Ashton with fiery intensity in his eyes. He appeared poised to rend him in two at that moment.
Prince Ashton cleared his throat and adjusted his suit. “Brother, it is a pleasure to see you home. I am relieved that the rogues did not take your life.” Jayce’s gaze shifted from Molly to Ashton.
Did she appear as perplexed as she felt? Molly retreated several paces from Ashton, as though he had verbally assaulted her. She had never imagined that Prince Ashton harboured such feelings for her. It was evident that he harboured certain intentions upon discovering her alone in the library.
“I am certain it is. I have not received any communication from you since my arrival, and now I find you here attempting to entice my distressed companion,” Jayce stated more composedly than he appeared. Ashton appeared astonished by his remarks as he cast a fleeting glance at Molly.
“Your companion? I have not encountered Vera at all today.”
“Vera is not my mate; Molly is.” Jayce advanced a few steps into the room towards Ashton, causing Molly to perspire.”
“Molly is your friend?” he enquired incredulously. He looked back and forth between Molly and Jayce, as though they were orchestrating an elaborate jest at his expense. Molly was rendered speechless, unable to formulate a response. Did he attempt to kiss her? The married crown prince just attempted to seduce her?
“Shouldn’t you be with your new spouse?” Jayce enquired through clenched teeth.
Ashton elevated his eyebrows. “If this is a cruel jest aimed at me due to Elsie, it is not amusing. I am aware of your longstanding resentment towards me because of it.”
Molly was unable to suppress the jealousy that blossomed within her. Did Jayce still harbour feelings for Lady Elsie?
“I am curious as to why you consistently gravitate towards the women I have. It seems to indicate a peculiar obsession on your part, does it not?” Jayce halted mere inches from Ashton. He regarded him with disdain, as though he were insignificant, akin to a mere insect.
“Vera is your companion; that is common knowledge,” Ashton remarked through clenched teeth. He adjusted his posture as though he could somehow surpass Jayce in height by doing so.
“Vera is disposed of with the refuse, where she rightfully belongs. My genuine partner is the individual you sought to entice. Regrettably, she is not available for your acquisition at this moment.”
Ashton cast another glance at Molly. Jayce seized his chin and compelled him to meet his gaze. “Refrain from gazing at her again. I am the individual addressing you.”
“Jayce,” Ashton articulated slowly. I-
Jayce released him and grasped Molly’s hand. “If I find you alone with her again, you are aware of the consequences.”
“Will you attempt to murder me as you did upon discovering the truth about Elsie?” Ashton enquired, his tone laced with bitterness. Molly had never witnessed that aspect of him; she could scarcely believe it.
“This time, I shall not falter,” Jayce vowed before exiting the door and returning to his room in profound silence.
