Sweet Briar

by Joline Pearce

No woman can be trusted to command that kind of power over men. We are weak creatures. Beautiful women make us stupid and covetous, and gods above, she is cursed with enough beauty for ten princesses.

Women can be even filthier than your average solider. I never fall for the innocent flower routine. They’re as horny as we are, if not more so.

If I understand the seamstress’ gossip correctly, there was a time when he could be relied upon for a quick and fulfilling encounter, yet he never took a regular lover. Part of me is jealous. The rest of me chooses to believe that he’s been waiting for me.

Charming and innocent. That’s me. Briar Rose, the woman kept under glass for a hundred years. But he sees my darkness. Killian sees me.