Page 131 of To Bleed A Kingdom

Crinkling my nose, I continue rummaging through my trunk, tossing aside clothes, maps, weapons, and a waterskin until I reach the sheer white slip buried beneath. Uncaring of Zander’s presence, I toe off my boots and unlace my vest and leggings, and slide the slip over my head.

Zander’s head suddenly pops up and he gives an approving nod. “Good choice. He’ll like that one.”

“Who?” I ask, genuinely confused.

The floating flames suddenly hurtle towards his chest, soaking into him to meld with thegold blood illuminating his veins. “Darius.”

I slam the lid shut with a loud bang, clamping the lock in place with an angry jerk of my hand. “I’d fuck Jareth before I ever allowed Darius to see me in this.”

He’ll be lucky to see me ever again after the shit he pulled today.

Zander barks a laugh. “I wouldn't bet coin on that.” Rolling to the side,he raises to one elbow, resting his head in his hand. “Are you that angry with him?”

“Yes,” I reply, but when Zander yanks on our bond and arches a knowing brow, I sigh. “No. I’m more hurt than angry.”Hiking the slip above my knees, I crawl onto the bed and curl up next to him.

“Oh, my lovely Lena.” Sweeping his arm beneath my neck, he gathers me to his chest. “People say stupid things when they're upset, and Darius was clearly upset.”

“Oh, yes,” I say dryly, peering up at him. “Darius looked so upset with the beautiful female practically fucking him in the middle of the pub.”

Her red claws scraping across his chest, her toned leg wrapped around his thigh, she watched him with a hunger I know too much about. My whole body itched with the need to snap her perfect little neck. Not just for how she had her hands all over Darius, but for the way she looked at me. Like I was nothing more than the scum beneath her fancy heeled shoes. I don’t understand how Darius could allow such a vile creature to touch him. But I guess it doesn’t matter what type of person you are as long as you have a willing cunt.

“He was simply trying to make you jealous.”

“Well,” I snuggle closer, “it didn't work.”

Zander smirks. “Or it worked all too well.”

Narrowing my eyes, I pinch his side and he yelps, shoving me away to roll off the side of the bed.

“Why are the females in my life so violent?” he asks, rubbing his side with a grimace.

I shrug. “At least I didn't bite you this time.”

“There is that.” Patting his side, he strides towards the door. “And now I must be off. I heard from a little birdie that Tabby is itch free.” He waggles his brows and opens the door. “I have lots of plans for her tonight.”

The bed creaks as I sit up, leaning on the back of my hands with a smirk. “I wouldn’t think an itch would deter you so easily?”

“Usually no, but one can’t be too careful with these courtesans. You never know; they could pass me some sickness that’ll make my dick fall off.” He shivers, his face twisting in horror.

“That would be tragic,” I reply in mock seriousness.

“It would,” he agrees. “What else would I do with my free time? I'd have to take up knitting or something equally as boring.” He starts to walk out the door, but stops, glancing back at me with furrowed brows. “Are you going to be alright by yourself? I can stay if you like.”

“I’ll be fine. I don't need you mothering me.” Placing my bare feet on the creaky wood floors, I flinchat the shock of cold. Wiggling my toes to regain my lost warmth,I walk around the bed to the side table where my hairbrush is.

“Are you sure? I don't mind,” he asks, seeming unsure.

Rolling my eyes, I shoo him away with the brush. “Yes. Go on now. Remember, you have a full night with an itch-free Tabby.”

Zander’s eyes light up. “That I do.” He moves forward, yet stops once again, dropping his head back with a groan. “I almost forgot.”

All I can do is stare as he charges toward me, grabs me by the shoulders, and places a big, wet kiss on my lips. I shove him back, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. “Stop kissing me!” I know he's not doing it for his enjoyment, and he’s definitely not doing it for mine. It’s for some sort of roguish plot, I’m sure, but I'm too tired to figure it out at the moment.

“I couldn't help myself,” he says alongside a mischievous smirk.

Narrowing my eyes, I swipe at him but he dodges it, loud guffaws bursting from him as he rushes out into the hall, shutting the door behind him.

Chuckling, I run a brush through my long, wavy, black hair. The repetitive motion and the bristles scratching at my scalp soothe me even more than Zander’s theatrics. Loose strands slither down my chest,marring the pristine white of the slip beneath. I swipe the hairs away to pluck at the sheer fabric, rolling the silky fibers between my fingers.

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