Page 39 of Stars in Halo

A feral, prescient vision went through him. Fokk she was meant to be his, a treasure, a collectable worth far more than all the rubies in Pegasi.

He tamped the untamed need to possess her, and lifting a brow, Xion fell uninvited into the seat across her. ‘May I? Party got too much for you like it did for me?’

Katya’s eyes narrowed as she regarded Xion, her usual composure wavering for a moment before she masked it with a charming smile.

‘Just taking a little breather from the festivities,’ she murmured, her husky tone light but her eyes sharp. ‘You seem to be everywhere tonight, Sable. Keeping tabs on me?’

The Rider leaned back in his chair, a smirk on his lips. ‘Oh no, Katya, our meetings are purely coincidental. That said, you’re one alluring woman that none can resist,’ he quipped.

His gaze flicked towards her right shoulder where the real Serpent’s Iris lay hidden.

Katya’s simper didn’t reach her eyes as she raised an eyebrow. ‘I’m flattered.’

Her voice held a faint edge of challenge as she sipped her drink, the clink of ice against crystal cutting through the tension between them.

Xion chuckled, letting his meta-glowing eyes fall on her, giving her his full and undeniable attention.

She squirmed in her seat.

He wasn’t sure whether it was because she wanted to deflect their heated attraction or was uncomfortable under the weight of his scrutiny. ‘You’re much more relaxed now than a mere hour ago. You find what or who you needed?’ he rasped.

Katya’s grip on her glass tightened, but her face remained inscrutable. ‘I’m not confused what you mean, Xion. I was enjoying the party like everyone else.’

‘You were jumpy, a tad flighty,’ Xion pushed, his drawl laced with a hint of mockery, his gaze piercing through her facade. ‘What got you so riled up?’

A flicker of surprise crossed Katya’s features before she schooled her expression into nonchalance. ‘You have a vivid imagination, Sable. Perhaps you’ve had too much champagne tonight. Or perchance not enough.’

‘Maybe so,’ Xion smirked. ‘I’m going with not enough. Care to join me?’

He flashed Katya a sensual smirk that hit her to the core.

She didn’t have the luxury of getting caught up in his lure.

She had to land her ace in the hole, and it cut her up to think of what she was about to do.

She also needed to watch herself because, on top of being savvy as fokk, Xion Sable was one enticing male creature.

Especially when he lifted those lush lips and added a dimple to the right side of his cheek.

One she wanted to dip her tongue into and lave even as he powered his cock into her.

Her face heated at the unbidden thought, and she swore his eyes danced like he could read her X-rated mind.

‘Katya, a drink?’ he repeated.

She nodded. ‘Same as before, the barman knows what I had.’

He rose and made for the bar. Taking a step past her, he stumbled, brushing against her lapel.

He flung out an arm to steady himself and caught her shoulder.

The pocket within the moulded sleeve ripped open.

A crimson object was hurled out of its protective hold.

The red bauble fell and rolled to the ground.

Katya panicked and feinted a swoon, falling into Xion’s arms as her hand reached for the gem.

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