Page 76 of Chosen By the Fae King

“You obviously have other ... attributes.”

I arched my brow. “Name one.”

“Obviously farming has made you physically strong.”

I shook my head. “No thank you.”

Her hand clamped onto my arm. Not painfully, but just enough to show her displeasure. “I would think you'd be more agreeable.”

“Why?”

“Because if we don't align I'll consider you fair game when the trials begin.”

I chuffed. “I'm quite certain you’ve considered me fair game since the day we arrived.”

“As well as your friend, Sofiya.” Her gaze hardened. “In fact, I may just simply consider her game.”

My fists wanted to pop her right on those painted lips, but I tamped down the thought and kept my expression neutral. “I don't like word games, Zoriyah. I like threats even less.”

Zoriyah's pleasant mask slipped, revealing a hint of malice. “Take the night to think it over. Regret is such a cruel emotion.”

She left me in the stairwell, where I remained long enough for her to reach her room. It was best if I didn't see her face again for a while.

I retreated to my chambers, my mind spinning. Sofiya's safety was the entire reason I was here.

But at what cost? Of putting myself in the position to assist that viper in her climb to the throne? To Nox's side?

My heart ached at the thought. I couldn't–wouldn't–help her win. Not the crown and definitely not the male who was wrecking me for any other.

Gods help me, but in the short time I'd known him, Nox had changed something inside me. Sure, he was mercurial and frustrating, sometimes mean. It didn't change the way I felt in his arms.

The experience earlier had made it very clear how deep into the waters I'd ventured. He'd made me feel like he was swimming out there with me.

My heart thumped. Did I dare let my mind wander there?

Sofiya's life could be on the line, more than it already was. My life could be on the line. I couldn't risk us getting hurt because of my selfish desires. The goal had always been to survive, not to win.

I was getting a headache. We had time before dinner so I peeled back the blanket and slid into bed.

I meant to stay awake, to only rest, but sleep claimed me the moment I settled into the nest of blankets. And there he was, waiting for me in my dreams.

Nox stood before the hearth, bare to the waist, the firelight dancing across his tanned skin. Heat flooded my veins at the sight of him, my heart racing with a sudden, fierce hunger. I wanted to touch him, to run my hands over every inch of his body and explore its hard planes and angles.

He turned at the soft sound I made in the doorway, his lips curving into a slow, sensual smile. “There you are, little hellion. I've been waiting for you.”

I crossed the room in a few quick strides, winding my arms around his neck to pull his mouth down to mine. Our kiss was hot and deep, full of a passion that set my blood aflame.

Nox's hands roamed my body, slipping beneath my shirt to caress the skin of my back. His clever fingers explored and sensitized, finally attending my heavy breasts. I arched into his touch with a moan, craving more.

He skimmed my ribs, then down lower. His palm cupped my most sensitive place, fingers stroking and teasing over my clothing until I thought I might go mad.

The scene changed and we were horizontal, naked. Nox's hips were cradled between my thighs, driving into me, exactly as I'd seen this morning. Held down by his weight, I accepted what he gave.

A tension coiled deep within me, growing tighter and tighter with each thrust. I clutched at Nox as the tension broke at last in a rush of ecstasy, crying out his name. His teeth punctured my shoulder and the wild thing broke free—

My eyes flew open, panting with the aftershocks of pleasure. Embarrassment smarted though I was alone. The ache between my thighs remained, my body primed and wanting in a way I didn't fully understand.

I yearned for Nox's touch. To feel the thrill of his hands and mouth on my overheated skin. To feel him shove past my innocence and give me what my body craved.

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