One Kiss by Nadia Lee Page B

coldness in his eyes and cruelty in the tight set of his mouth. She’d never seen him smile except when he tried to ingratiate himself, hoping to get something from others. Even then his eyes remained frosty.
    It was unfair a man such as he would likely get what he desired, while Robert remained frustrated despite wanting but a single kiss from the princess. Cursed or not, Robert was ten times the man Prince John was. Molly wanted Robert to get what his heart desired the most.
    And like that she decided what she must do. “I can ensure that you will win your suit over Prince John.”
    “You can? How?”
    “Very simply. I’ll tell Princess Serenia who you truly are.”
    “But that will expose you.”
    “Perhaps. Perhaps not.” She shrugged. “We can’t be sure, but I want to try—”
    “No, you mustn’t.”
    “Why not?”
    “I was being selfish to even suggest it.” Robert sighed grimly. “I didn’t stop to consider how defenseless you were. Seeing you abused by John” —his throat worked— “He was hurting you, and you didn’t do anything. Couldn’t do anything. It shames me that I put my desire above your well-being.”
    She pasted on a game smile. “It could be that Princess Serenia would’ve defended me.”
    “I doubt that. She would’ve given you over for a diamond or two.”
    She stared at him in silent shock. How could he know so much about the princess’s personality already?
    “Don’t look at me like that. It wasn’t difficult to figure out.” He ate the cheese she offered. “Molly, tell me your plan. You’re going to take my money and travel some place far from here, away from Serenia, aren’t you?”
    “Yes.” She sipped her water. “With the money, my mother and I can be very comfortable, and I’ll never have to wait on other people again. We won’t let anybody know what we can do and keep to ourselves.” Her voice grew wistful. “That’s the most ideal life I can imagine.”
    “If you let Serenia know about your gift, she’ll never let you go.”
    Molly drew back. It was a possibility she’d never considered. “You truly think so?”
    “I do. She’s too greedy, and she’ll think of ways to exploit your talent for her own ends. Trust me.”
    “I see.” She couldn’t keep her mouth from twisting into a wry grin. “I never thought you’d reject my offer of help.”
    “You’re helping me enough. And more than that, you treated me like a man, not some cursed thing you pitied. For that, I thank you, Molly.”
    Robert gave her a smile. It hit her suddenly, blinding her like lightning splitting the night sky.
    Her mouth dried and her pulse throbbed. It no longer mattered that he was cursed. Here was more of a man—and a prince—than anybody she’d ever met. She curled her fingers, trying to stop her the tips from tingling so much.
    She didn’t know what was required to undo his curse, but it wasn’t her he needed. He’d made it clear he must have a royal princess.
    So she would do everything she could to help him get his wish.

VI. In Which Our Hero Is Betrayed
     
    The next day, Robert didn’t slip into Molly’s pocket. He didn’t want to involve her any more than was absolutely necessary. The violence his cousin had directed at her still rankled. He’d always suspected John would push as far as he could to get what he wanted, but hurting a defenseless woman? How could he have fallen so low? It was fortunate Robert had been ready the day before, else she might be sporting bruises or worse.
    He thought of her offer. It had been incredibly generous and unexpected. A part of him had wanted to say yes, but decency had won out. He couldn’t risk her or her mother’s safety. Not only that, John had hurt her because she’d let Robert go. If she supported him further, who knew what lengths John would go to?
    It was time for Robert to take care of things on his own.
    So he waited for John, Serenia and Molly to appear in the garden for their late morning stroll.