12. Jasmine

When we entered the maze, everyone else had already moved ahead of us. I could hear their excited chatter and the occasional cry of joy as someone found something amazing, but we were otherwise alone.

"Left, right, or straight ahead," I asked, unsure where to go. There was no way we'd make it to the center first, and while the idea tasted bitter, it was all right. When I told Boshun I wanted to spend the day with him, I meant it. I didn't need trinkets to make the day any better.

"Right," he said decisively. He took my hand, and we walked that way. When we came to the end of the row, he paused and looked up. "Well, imagine that."

A branch stuck out of the hedge on our right, projecting almost all the way across the path.

"What is it?" I stared up at a red stone suspended on a golden chain, dangling at eye level.

"I believe it's one of the trinkets you're meant to find." He plucked it from the branch and held it out to me, but he snatched it back before I could take it, releasing a raspy laugh. "I believe you owe me a kiss for finding the treasure."

"If I kiss you, it will be because I want to, not because I want the bauble," I said pertly, my eyebrows lifting and my fist landing on my hip.

His face fell, and his hand dropped to his side.

Mischief bloomed inside me, and I kept my face stern, curling my finger his way. I let him think I had one more comment to add to the other, and I wanted him near while I delivered it.

He leaned forward.

I rose to my tiptoes and kissed him.

In seconds, I was lost in the wonder of it. His mouth was firm yet plush, and his simple touch sent shockwaves through my body. A low hum erupted below my belly, and I realized right then and there that I was in trouble.

I eased away from him and tried to smile, but it came out shaky. Because I was so disconcerted by the feelings he generated inside me, I snatched the chain from his hand and dropped it into my basket, whirling and hurrying down the next path.

"Wait," he growled, rushing after me. He caught my arm before I reached the intersection and drew me around to face him. Plucking the basket from my hand, he placed it gently on the ground.

He lifted me and pressed me against the hedge wall that should be rough and scratchy but felt soft and comfy instead.

"That wasn't much of a kiss, now was it, my lady?" His smoldering eyes met mine. "Pay the fee, and I'll release you." He pressed his body against mine, pinning me in place.

"Perhaps I don't want you to release me." My throat nearly closed off from emotions I couldn't define.

His mouth captured mine, and I wrapped my legs around him, tugging him even nearer.

When his tongue dipped inside my mouth, I lost all control. Moaning, I ran my hands across his chest and clung to his shoulders. I'd been kissed before, but never like this, never as if the man wanted to devour me. It sparked heat inside me, feelings that shot to my core.

His fingertips teased up my side and when he cupped my breast through the sheer fabric of my gown, I gasped. Lifting his head, he watched my face as he stroked the nipple, bringing it to a hard bud.

I arched my spine, pressing my breast into his hand.

"You're so responsive," he said softly. "So lovely."

I'd never been with anyone. Somehow, the thought of taking a man to my bed had always felt wrong. But at this moment, if we were in my room inside the castle, I'd lay on the bed and tug Boshun down on top of me. I'd do things with him I'd only imagined in my dreams.

Laughter rang out from our left, and his hand froze on my breast. He eased backward, holding me until I could place my feet back on the ground.

"Later, tiny one," he whispered by my ear. He lifted my basket and handed it to me, taking my other hand and linking our fingers. "Let's see what else we can discover inside the maze."