Page 72 of King of Fire and Flames

Sweet, dark blood coated my tongue as her life force slid down my throat. Euphoric, primal hunger rocked me to my core.

Need.

And solace.

Leaf’s essence bound our hearts and souls together, and the bond demanded I keep her in my sight at all times. How would I find the strength to walk out of this room and leave her at the fire fae’s mercy?

Determined to extend her pleasure, I cursed against her skin to stop myself from breaking, roaring, and bringing the whole fire kingdom down upon us. My feather glyphs blazed hotter than ever, blood flowing through my veins like a wildfire.

So close to pain, the pleasure was unbearable.

Too fucking good.

I never wanted it to end.

Not yet.

Then beyond my control, a force stronger than lightning quaked from my stomach and spread outward, ricocheting through flesh and bones until I exploded. I squeezed my eyes shut and shook like an avalanche.

Collapsing on top of Leaf, I kissed her neck softly, her lips too hard, and then feather-soft.

“Ouch, your chest plate,” she reminded me, and I lifted my upper body off her.

“Still hate me?” I asked with a grin.

“Yes,” she said, her cheeks blushing the sweet color of desert rose petals.

“Liar.”

She laughed. “Get up, quickly. The guards could come in any moment.” She wriggled out from under me, stood in front of a long mirror, and began repairing her ruined braid.”

“Leave it like that. It will suit the scene we’re playing.”

She nodded and helped me put my clothes to rights as we laughed like mischievous children.

“I take no pleasure in any realm, in any thing without you,” I said, bracing my hands on her hips and peppering kisses on her cheeks. “Food has no flavor. Nightmares besiege me. I haven’t had a moment’s peace since we parted. Does it please you to know you’ve destroyed me, my Leaf?”

“Of course it does.” She grinned and fastened my cloak. “Now, where should I stand? Here? Or should I lie on the bed and cry for the guards’ entertainment?”

“No, I couldn’t bear it.” Without thinking, I took my old cloak from the coat stand and wrapped it around her shoulders, breathing in the precious scent of her—warm, musky human with a hint of jasmine, combined with my own scent. The best smell in the five realms.

She shrugged it off, and it fell on the bed.

“Please, Leaf. I beg you to keep it and think about everything I’ve told you. We’ll speak more tomorrow. Give the cloak back to me then if you must. And tell me that you know I didn’t betray you. Could never betray you.”

“The guards,” she whispered. “Can you do me one favor? Get Ari here. I miss her so much.”

A bolt of jealousy pierced my heart. I brushed a strand of hair from her lips and nodded. “I will do my best.”

Pinching her cheeks hard, she said, “We need to make this look real.”

“Yes, and I’m sorry for this,” I said, tearing her dress so it hung from one shoulder. When she bit her lip, drawing blood, I caught her face in my hands, pressing my forehead to hers. “No, Leaf. You take things too far.”

“They must believe you assaulted me. The ruthless Storm King wouldn’t treat me gently.”

“Those rumors are based on my father’s reputation, not mine. I have never hurt a lover. Never hurt a slave, or a princess, or even a queen. When will you stop thinking the worst of me?”

“I admit I can be a slow learner. You should know that by now, Arrow.” She stood on the tips of her toes and grasped my shoulders. “But I’m finally paying attention. I promise. Call the guards.”

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