He silenced her with a kiss that could have melted her down until she was nothing. His soft lips moved slowly against her own as if they had all the time in the world to discover the other. Jayce’s hand moved up her body at an aching speed until he gripped the side of her face. Molly pressed her hand against his chest and felt how wildly his heart beat beneath her palm.
This was wrong-
“Hello?” A person knocked forcefully on her door.
“Could you please be silent? I am certain they experienced a rather tumultuous night,” another individual remarked. Molly recognised immediately that it was Colton.
Molly extricated herself from him and proceeded to don a robe. “Yes?” she enquired through the door.
“I bring information. Please expedite our invitation before we succumb to the cold.”
Molly observed Jayce, who was already standing with his shirt partially buttoned. He swung open the door to find Naomi and Colton on the opposite side.
“Good morning, beloveds.” Colton smiled and shut the door behind him. He placed a plate of steaming food down and clasped his hands behind his back. “I trust we did not disrupt any intimate moments, but I possess information to convey.”
“Proceed,” Jayce muttered while he fidgeted with the plate. She had to detach herself from his dishevelled appearance. Why did it consistently captivate her more when he was dishevelled?
“Indeed. I have arranged your appointment with Life Pharmacy; you will depart by tomorrow evening accompanied by one of your guards.” Colton leaned against the wall. “You are my new employees, a young, financially disadvantaged married couple striving to earn a sufficient income for sustenance. Your guardian may be a sibling or any other individual.”
“Will we possess distinct names?” Molly enquired.
“Indeed. Few individuals there have encountered the prince, so exercise caution will facilitate your task. Molly, you shall assume the identity of Isabelle. Jayce, you will adopt the name James. Your guard may be referred to as Oscar; however, be vigilant not to falter in your usage of these aliases. If you maintain a low profile, no one will scrutinise you closely.”
Molly embraced herself. “What is the duration of our stay?”
“It will take as long as necessary to obtain the required answers. There is an individual intent on harming Jayce, and they will not relent until they succeed.” Colton cleared his throat and looked between them. “Be advised that I will not be available to assist you. If they discover that I positioned you to surveil them, it will jeopardise everything and they will betray me. It is advisable to refrain from mentioning my involvement.”
Jayce acquiesced and ran his fingers through his hair. Molly had to curl her hands by her sides to prevent herself from reaching out to touch him.
Colton observed Naomi. “Molly, I have brought Naomi to assist you in curating looks for your new identity. Jayce, please accompany me to my cabin so we can work on yours.”
Jayce made eye contact with Molly while nodding. He maintained his gaze on her until he exited through the door and into the snow, partially attired. She gradually exhaled the breath she had been holding.
“That is quite a man,” Naomi remarked as she proceeded to close the door. The click extricated her from her reverie. She placed her frigid hands upon her heated face. “What is the duration of this occurrence?”
“What do you mean?” Molly enquired cautiously as she accompanied Naomi to the drawers. She observed the woman as she retrieved various garments and arranged them into ensembles that significantly contrasted with her own preferences. Molly was uncertain of its significance, as she doubted anyone would recognise Jayce’s maid or her preferred attire. Attempting to conceal her identity was ultimately futile.
Naomi emitted a derisive snort. “Are you the prince’s lady?”
“Oh! No, he is involved with a woman. We are not in a relationship.”
“Indeed, I am not oblivious. I observed the manner in which you both gazed at one another, as though you would permit him to tear your garments off in this very location.”
Molly felt as though she was on the verge of losing consciousness. “Are you insane? There is no possibility-”
“Silence, my child. Your aspirations warrant no shame. However, being a man’s secondary preference is indeed regrettable. You assert he has a partner, yet he has consistently referenced no one but you during his stay, and his gaze seeks only you amidst a crowd. Do not profess ignorance to these truths.”
“I…” Molly uttered despondently. “I am uncertain regarding that matter. I am unaware of his intentions towards me, but we are not romantically involved.”
“My dear, I believe he holds you to higher standards than that.” Naomi retrieved a bag and began to neatly arrange the clothes, while Molly observed ineffectually. “His behaviour towards you is genuine and cannot be feigned. I perceive the connection you share with him; it may be prudent to cease denying his affections, as they are evident to others.”
“I believe that everyone may be mistaken. I am concerned that he will exploit me and subsequently abandon me, as he has done to numerous other women at the palace.”
It was the inaugural occasion she acknowledged it vocally, yet it was indeed accurate. What if he discarded her immediately after exploiting her body?
