The Surrender of a Lady by Tiffany Clare

with him, all without putting on the simpering airs other young chits displayed. With her free spirit, she’d been the embodiment of everything his uncle despised. The quintessence of everything Griffin had wanted to obtain for himself. He was sure his obsession stemmed from the fact that she was forbidden. Though it was hard to recall which exact trait had reeled him in, sinking those sharp claws deep into his flesh, mind, and heart.
    Movement in his peripheral sight had him dropping his gaze to where her hand curved around her hip. Was it her intention to draw his attention to her more fleshly attributes?
    He raised his brow and thought of giving her some mock insulted look but decided now was not the time. He’d give her the rest of the auction to compose herself . . . that was, if she recognized him. Surely once she heard his name she’d show recognition. For God’s sake, they’d been engaged, even if only secretly.
    Without further ado, Griffin walked to the outskirts of the room. Amir had been insistent about having the auction go forward so others didn’t think to take advantage of bidding in advance. It was bad for business, Amir said. It stopped the patrons from spending more money than they were willing to part with.
    So be it. No one but he would warm Jinan’s bedside.
    No one but he would have the privilege of touching her, and revealing all her secrets.
    “Eight and a half,” came the pinched, angered voice of Asbury.
    So his friend had reached his limit in bidding. The man had as much money as Griffin. Why he came to a place like this and refused to spend a pretty penny on these beauties puzzled him.
    “Ten.” That came from the young count. The man had quite an appetite. At least he’d pulled himself back together and tucked everything decently away before voicing his bid.
    Frenchmen.
    A hush came over the room. So that was as high as they’d go for his Jinan.
    They’d think him a fool once he voiced his price. He waited with an unnatural calm for the auctioneer to chime in. The middle-aged man had been informed about the rigged bidding before Jinan had even stood upon the dais.
    “Excellent. Well, then, gentle—”
    “Twenty thousand.” His voice seemed to boom around the palace walls even though one wall opened to the outside, welcoming the gardens into the fold of the harem quarters.
    It seemed as though every head turned his way.
    Griffin stepped forward. Asbury looked disgusted until he saw Griffin, then his expression changed considerably, to one of bemusement. Griffin tried for calm, hoping he pulled it off, as his gaze slid to the prize. No one else mattered as he focused on Jinan.
    She was his.
    And there was nothing to stop him from touching her . . . taking her . . .
    Now.
    Would she tell him the truth? Or would she hide behind her silks and veil, and her fictitious story?
    Griffin didn’t hear what Mr. Chisholm said. In fact, he wasn’t sure the man had said anything at all. His hand clasped around the princess’s hand, and he would have let her walk down on her own, but once he felt the warmth of her fingers infuse his own, he stepped forward and caught her up in his arms without so much as a backward glance.
    His cock was rock hard the moment she slid her arms around his shoulders. Dammit, he was no better than the count, displaying his shamelessness.
    He’d explored the grounds of the Pleasure Gardens when he’d arrived a few days ago and he knew exactly which alcoves were unoccupied tonight. He walked to an empty cove, without releasing his prize, without glancing at anyone else in the great room.
    Let them think what they will .
    When he was inside the lamp-lit room, he released Jinan’s legs to slide down his body. The motion only inflamed his desire to taste the delectable creature, without delay.
    Motionless, she stood next to him, her nipples puckered so tightly he felt them through the cambric of his shirt. She was a tiny morsel standing next to him like this.