Page 86 of Chosen By the Fae King

Nox waved away Lorne's words, striding toward me with purposeful steps. I stiffened as he crouched before me. Our eyes locked, heat swirling in my belly at his nearness.

“Does it still pain you?” Nox asked, his voice a low rumble as he glanced at my chest.

Though the large hole in my shirt wasn't low enough to reveal my breast, I felt exposed.

I licked my lips, pulse quickening. “Some. The headache has gotten worse.”

Nox searched my face. “My sister claims the orb was a catalyst of some kind, opening your well-store. She didn't know what else you could do yet, but apparently you can now read thoughts through touch.”

I tensed at the implication in his words. It wasn't a talent I wanted. “I don't know. I never touched Sage, but it did happen with Lorne.”

A slow, dangerous smile spread across Nox's lips. “Is that so?” He leaned closer, breath hot against my ear. “Then tell me, little hellion, what am I thinking now?”

My breaths came fast and shallow. Nox's scent flooded my senses, dark and heady, stirring something primal inside me.

I swallowed hard, gaze dropping to his mouth. “Is that a serious request?” I solicited, the words coming out a breathy whisper.

Nox's eyes gleamed. “Absolutely,” he purred, and crushed his lips to mine.

Sparks ignited under my skin at the contact, heat and longing swirling into a raging inferno. I gasped, fingers twisting in his shirt to keep him close.

Nox groaned, the sound rumbling through me as his hands found my waist, grip tightening possessively.

My heart raced. Thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind. All that mattered was the feel of Nox against me, his kiss branding me as surely as a mark upon my flesh.

Nox pulled back slowly, smoldering with desire. A flush stained his cheekbones, softening the hard lines of his face. “Well?”

“Well,” I took a much needed breath, “with Lorne I saw ... or felt something immediately. I didn't see anything with you so I would only be guessing.”

I licked my kiss-swollen lips, still tasting him. “Will you tell me what you were thinking?” I breathed.

Nox's mouth curved in a wolfish grin, eyes gleaming. “That I would have you,” he replied huskily, “and soon. Possibly right here on this couch.”

How easily I'd forgotten myself!

I scowled, shoving him away as heat flooded my cheeks, looking to see if Lorne was still near the fireplace. He wasn't.

“Peace, Aeryn,” he chuckled, hands in surrender. “I'm not into having an audience, nor would I embarrass you in that way.”

I searched his face. His gaze was steady and earnest. My anger faded, replaced by a surge of warmth and something deeper I dared not name.

Nox released me slowly, features softening. “Let's try your gift again, this time with Lorne once more.”

He went to the door and retrieved his brother from the hall. Lorne came and sat beside me on the couch. His eyes flicked between Nox and I, a muscle feathering in his jaw, before he gave a curt nod.

I hesitated, pulse leaping.

Nox lowered himself to sit on the coffee table, our knees nearly touching. “Whenever you're ready.”

I took a steadying breath, reaching out to lay my fingertips on Lorne's wrist. A riot of emotions slammed into me—concern for Nox, anger, longing for things he could never have.

I released Lorne quickly, shaking my head. “I can sense his feelings, but it's a little chaotic and jumbled.”

Nox lowered his elbows to his knees. “Lorne?”

“My head's not on straight right now,” the blonde grumbled.

“Fair enough. Bring Liam here and then go back to your duties.”

---