I Reincarnated as a Princess… But Ended Up Selling Fruit

His mouth was on her throat before she could lie about her name.

She tasted apple wine on his lips—crisp, dark, a little too intoxicating for something brewed from fruit. Her back hit the wall with a soft thud, and she didn't flinch.

"You shouldn't be here," she whispered.

His breath was hot. "Then tell me to leave."

She could've. Should've.Didn't.

His hands slid down her waist, slow and sinful, like he was memorizing every inch. He kissed her like he already knew it was goodbye. Like he was trying to forget something—her, maybe.

And she… let him.

Just as his fingers found the edge of her skirt—

Lara jolted upright with a gasp.

Sheets tangled around her legs. Sweat soaked her spine. The taste of apples still lingered on her tongue, and the bastard from her dream was nowhere to be found.

She groaned into her pillow.

"Again?" drawled a lazy voice near her ear.

Rime—her divine beast and full-time judgmental roommate—blinked open one silver eye from where he was curled beside her head. He didn't even look surprised.

"Was it the brooding one again?" he asked. "You moaned. Twice."

Lara picked up the nearest apple from her bedside crate and chucked it at him. He dodged without moving.

"Dreams don't leave bruises," she muttered.

But her thighs ached. Her magic thrummed. And out the window, the Pico tree in her garden was glowing again.

Which could only mean one thing:

Trouble.